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Name: Zaire Franklin
Position: Linebacker
Year: Freshman
Height: 6'0"
Weight: 238
Hometown: Philadelphia, PA
High School: La Salle High School
2013 Stats: In 2013, recorded three sacks, had one fumble recovery and was a team captain. Named to the 2013 PIAA AAAA All-State Team and the 2013 AAAA Catholic League First Team.
2014 Projections: Despite being a freshman, Franklin could see some legitimate time at linebacker. He's No. 2 on the depth chart at OLB behind Cameron Lynch. Lynch also just called Franklin out by name as a player he expects to break out.
How'd He Get Here?: Franklin made his verbal commitment to the Orange official after a three-day visit to the campus. Among the other schools who offered him were Arizona, BC, Clemson, UConn, UNC, Penn State, Pitt and South Carolina. By all accounts, he was a huge get for SU.
What'd Scout/Rivals Say?: Scout - 3*, Rivals - 3*, 247 - 3*, ESPN - 3*
Money Quote: "I felt like [Penn State] kind of dissed me a little bit. I wasn't going to chase them, bend over backward all the time for them and they're not giving me anything in return. That's not what I'm really about, especially when you got other schools that really want you and are interested in you. Why chase somebody who is giving you a cold shoulder?"
Links Of Wonder: Syracuse football recruit Zaire Franklin stayed loyal to Orange even when Penn State came calling
Twitterfeed: @ZiggySmalls_
Tweets Of Wonder:
Having a bike on campus is low key the clutchest thing of all time
— Zaire (@ZiggySmalls_) July 22, 2014
What Does Scott Shafer Think Of Him: "Coach Shafer’s my man. I love Coach Shafer. He’s hilarious. Every time I talk to him he’s telling me how when someone (an opposing team) comes to the Dome, we’re going to kick their ass. The coaches overall are just great."
Interesting Nugget O'Interest: Franklin originally committed when Doug Marrone was in charge. He stuck with the program when Scott Shafer took over. From all accounts, loyalty is a big thing with Zaire.
Let's Get A Good Look Atcha:
