Franklin is a Hot Commodity

Each year college teams search the country for help in the JuCo ranks. JuCo athletes increase their stock by graduating in December. This allows them to adjust to the speed of the game during spring practice. Johntel Franklin has that luxury and a long list of teams have taken notice.

Johntel Franklin is a physical defensive back. "I'm 6'2 200 lbs and run a 4.4," stated Franklin.

Franklin proved he could produce on the field after a productive season at Victor Valley.

"I had 7 picks, 42 tackles and 12 pass break ups."

Franklin's production led to a long list of school's extending scholarship offers.

"I have offers from Ole Miss, Oklahoma State, Hawaii, Syracuse, SMU, Texas A&M, Nevada, Cincinnati, and San Jose State."

The talented defensive back surged onto the recruiting scene after quite a journey. Franklin originally prepped in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. After a successful high school career, Franklin signed with Illinois State.

"I decided to leave Illinois State and I transferred to Fort Scott Junior College in Kansas. I didn't know about a rule that only allowed 12 out of state players to be on scholarship. So I headed to California and played for one year at Victor Valley."

After a successful season, the former Illinois State signee now faces the recruiting process again. Franklin is concentrating on planning official visits.

"I went to Hawaii last week. I liked the coaches and players a lot. They really stood out. I met a lot of good people there. I leave tomorrow for a midweek visit to Texas A&M. I was supposed to go to Ole Miss this weekend (12/10) but I moved it to next weekend (12/17). I will visit SMU Friday."

What will be key in garnering the Victor Valley star's signature?

"I want to go to a place that has good team bonding. I want to find a place I can call home."

Franklin claims that different schools are recruiting him to play safety and corner back. The JuCo star will have 3 years to play 2 and is on schedule to graduate in December.