Bishop Amat’s @DelanoLee23 Is Definitely on the Recruiting Radar
Bishop Amat athlete Delano Franklin (5-11, 170) got to play four games in his shortened sophomore season. He is an unranked recruit who will most certainly climb his way up the rankings after an offseason that created a buzz.
Franklin’s offseason training and play in 7-on-7 tournaments has helped him land squarely on the radar of a number of FBS programs around the country. The speedy wide receiver/defensive back/kick returner is starting to gobble up offers from some of the nation’s top programs.
Offer Central
Franklin picked up his most recent offer this week. Louisville, alma mater of former Heisman Trophy winner Lamar Jackson, offered on Monday, July 12.
Franklin projects as a wide receiver at the next level. He will likely also be used in the return game. He has very good speed – he clocked 4.6 in the 40-yard dash – that will only improve as he continues to mature. Franklin now holds offers from Georgia, Florida State, Arizona State, and Pittsburgh.
Scouting Report
Franklin is not a big tall receiver but neither was 2020 Heisman Trophy winner DeVonta Smith of Alabama. Franklin will likely add a few pounds to his frame, but he is outstanding with and without the ball.
As mentioned, his 40 time is listed at 4.6 as of now, but Franklin has done zero speed training and will run track for the first time this spring. His quickness is amazing and is what makes him a dangerous punt and kick returner. That is something that college programs are noticing. Not only can they get a phenomenal receiver, but they can also have an exciting kick returner.
Franklin projects as an inside, slot receiver at the next level though he will probably be used on the outside and even in the backfield at Bishop Amat knowing he was a great running back in his early years. In addition to punt and kick return duties, Franklin will also likely line up at corner on defense.
Despite a sophomore season shortened by the coronavirus pandemic, Franklin still has plenty of electrifying highlights that you can see in the video below.
The Recruiting Trail
Franklin really helped his recruiting by participating in a number of offseason camps as well as playing on a local 7-on-7 team. He played for Ground Zero which played in a variety of tournaments, including a Pylon Tournament held at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.
The Bishop Amat receiver also took part in three invitation-only camps. Franklin attended Rivals, Under Armour, and Showcase football camps this offseason. His performance at all three helped Franklin find his way onto the radar of several college football programs.
He also attended two camps at Redlands University, one hosted by Washington and the other hosted by Arizona State. Franklin also showed off his skills at camps at UNLV, Nevada, and Fresno this summer. He performed at a number of 7-on-7 tournaments and is now in the process of getting ready for the upcoming season with his Bishop Amat teammates.
One thing is certain. Franklin is definitely on the radar of college coaches around the country. He will continue to rise up the recruiting boards as he continues his high school career this fall.
