When Kam Franklin cut his list of schools to 10 in December, Tennessee made the cut. His weekend visit for the Vols’ second junior day of the cycle solidified his decision.
“I liked everything,” Franklin told Off The Hook Sports following his visit. “Just enjoyed my visit, I plan on coming back.”
Franklin, who ranks as a five-star prospect, also included Alabama, Florida State, Miami, Michigan, Ole Miss, Mississippi State, South Carolina, Texas and Texas A&M among his top schools. He came to Knoxville fresh off visits to Arkansas and Miami.
“Those are just the schools that were showing the most interest at the time,” Franklin said of his top 10.
To no surprise, Tennessee rolled out the red carpet for the No. 21 prospect in the 2024 class, showing Franklin why he is a priority for the Vols.
Head coach Josh Heupel made an impression on Franklin during his short time in Knoxville.
“How he prioritized me,” Franklin said about what Heupel did that made an impression. “He just made it all about me.”
Tennessee defensive line coach Rodney Garner has also been very active in Franklin’s recruitment. Franklin, who ranks as the No. 5 defensive lineman in his class, felt the love this weekend.
“I got to sit down with (Garner) and talk some ball,” Franklin said. “He showed me how they would use me in their scheme. I like the way they plan on using me, if I was to come to Tennessee.”
Franklin said Tennessee plans on using him similarly to how he plays in high school. He normally lines up as a strong-side defensive end.
“I don’t really play the interior,” he said. “I’m more of an edge guy, but (with) different schemes I may play the inside.”
Franklin enjoyed his conversations with Heupel and Garner so much that he called it his favorite part of the trip.
As part of the junior day, Franklin got to be in attendance for the Vols’ win against Texas in Thompson-Boling Arena. Tennessee fans and the atmosphere stood out to him the most.
“I love the atmosphere and the fans,” he said. “They really showed up at the game, really made it a good game.”
Franklin also plays basketball. Garner has been down to Lake Cormorant High School in Lake Cormorant, Miss. to watch the 6-foot-5 and 260-pound athlete shine on the hardwood. It is no doubt that Franklin is one of Tennessee’s top targets in the 2024 cycle.
Franklin is taking his time with his recruitment, taking another round of visits in the Spring. The Vols will have another chance to impress him during spring practice, or possibly the Orange and White game.
Franklin plans on announcing his commitment during signing day later this year.
