PROFILE
Troy Franklin
Position: Wide Receiver
Size: 6’2” 170lbs
Star Rating: 4-Star
Home Town: Menlo Park, CA
High School: Menlo-Atherton
Commitment: Undecided
BACKGROUND
Within the 2021 recruit class, there is a player that is advanced as a route runner and possesses exceptional athleticism to be a dynamic playmaker with the ball in his hands. His toolbox offers versatility for any offense as he played receiver, was used as a very effective runner, was dynamic on special teams, and played on defense as well. Finally, naming his top six schools, Troy Franklin has the talent to boost any of these offenses immediately.
Franklin hails from Menlo Park, California, where he attends Menlo-Atherton high school. He helped lead his team to a 21-7 victory over Lincoln-Diego in the state title game. With 8:15 left in the first half of this state title game, Franklin hauled in 50 yard TD catch, his only reception in that game to seal the championship victory for his team.
Franklin is currently the fourth-best receiver in the 2021 recruit class. He holds 24 offers in which his top six includes Oregon, Alabama, Washington, USC, LSU, and Arizona State. The inability for recruits to travel due to COVID 19 could have Franklin choosing one of these schools that is closer to home.
SCOUTING REPORT
Right from the snap, Franklin shows his incredible acceleration off the line of scrimmage. He generates explosive power off his first step and maintains excellent control of his footwork to manipulate his opponents. Franklin uses very useful stunts, lateral gestures, and speed releases to beat any pressing coverage he faces within the first five yards.
Once in his route stem, Franklin hits turbo, extending the length of his strides to escape through second level coverage and find his way into the open field. When preparing for his route break, Franklin does not need to downshift as he is very fluid with his lateral quickness, maintaining excellent flexion to change direction quickly.
Deception in his route running comes naturally as his body gestures and eyes control the hip movement of his route opponent. He uses his length to swim and rip through hand fights, allowing him another way to create separation.
Hands are above-average as Franklin shows the ability to catch outside his frame from multiple angles. His ladder adjusts to various levels as he can high-point very well while maintaining outstanding concentration. His ability to contort his body while maintaining control throughout the catch is well above average.
While he is a good blocker at the high school level, his lack of functional mass is a concern. He plays with such competitive toughness that it masks the lack of size that he possesses. While it looks like he will most likely find a home in the PAC 12, the talent on defense will be much more stringent than what he has faced currently. Muscle development and improvement in strength will be imperative for next-level projection.
While Franklin can be a dynamic and productive receiver at his current weight in college, with his present height, he will need to gain at least 20 more pounds to be next-level ready. Even then, his projected BMI of 24 is well below ideal. He would need to gain nearly 30 pounds to be within the ideal threshold, and that amount of weight could be detrimental to his athletic upside.
CONCLUSION
There is no doubt that Franklin is a nuanced receiver that displays advanced ability as a route runner at this stage in his football career. He has above-average play speed, explosiveness, and competitive toughness that enhances his projected upside.
The downfall of his NFL projection is his current lack of mass for his height. The amount of weight he needs to add could have a negative impact on his athleticism and long speed. The positive news is that there is a recent comparison that is uplifting.
CeeDee Lamb was 6’2” and 172lbs coming out of high school. He was able to add nearly 20 pounds while maintaining functional athleticism and get himself drafted in the first round. The potential is there for Franklin to have Lamb type of upside. Even with the weight concerns, he is a viable Devy asset and a great add in CFF dynasty leagues when draft-eligible for CFF.
