Kamarion Franklin has locked in a commitment date. The four-star defensive linemam has been a priority for Tennessee football in the 2024 class.
Franklin will announce on Aug. 19, choosing between the Vols, Auburn, Ole Miss, Miami and Florida State.
Franklin ranks as the No. 45 prospect nationally in the class of 2024 by 247Sports Composite. He also ranks as the No. 8 defensive lineman and the No. 1 prospect out of Mississippi. Franklin Lake Cormorant High School, just south of Memphis.
He broke his high school’s record for single-season sacks as a junior, racking up 19 sacks and 93 tackles. He also returned a fumble for a touchdown.
A dual-sport athlete, Franklin averaged 6.2 points, 7.9 rebounds and 1.0 blocks on the hardwood.
Franklin was extended a scholarship offer from Tennessee in November 2021. It was his first SEC offer. He has visited Tennessee three times in 2023 and took his official visit to the Vols in June. He currently holds over 35 offers.
The lone crystal ball points Franklin to Auburn. Cooper Petagna of 247Sports evaluated Franklin.
“Unverified at 6-foot-5 and 265-pounds, possesses growth potential to add additional weight to his frame and potentially move inside at the next level depending on the scheme,” Petagna writes. “Displays good athletic ability off the edge and shows the ability to play in either a two or three point stance.
“Exhibits a good first step off the line of scrimmage with above average foot and body quickness. Plays high off the ball and possesses some slight hip and ankle stiffness but overcompensates with length and ability to close space quickly. Straight line mover with adequate bend and change of direction ability. Wins with quickness and burst to close ability at the point of attack. Flashes good play strength but needs to continue to develop the ability to play through his hands and utilize his length and frame to his advantage. Demonstrates an above average motor and accounts for a lot of his sack production with pure hustle plays.
“Projects as a multi-scheme defender with the ability to play on the edge or on the interior depending on scheme. Will more than likely continue to add a considerable amount of weight to his frame and move inside as skill set potentially suits him best on the interior. Potential all-conference prospect that will need a year to technically develop on Saturdays but has the physical clay and versatility to be a valuable asset at the next level. Length and linear explosiveness could see him grow into an interior force capable of playing the run and pass equally as well.”
