Get To Know Your Orange Man - No. 4, LB, Zaire Franklin

Name: Zaire Franklin

Position: Middle Linebacker

Year: Junior

Height: 6’ 0”

Weight: 230 lbs.

Hometown: Philadelphia, Pa.

High School: La Salle College

2015 Stats: Franklin was voted team captain last year as a sophomore. He complied 81 tackles and was second on the team in tackles for loss with 11. Franklin was a major disruptor in the Orange defense last season.

2016 Projections: Franklin will be a starter again this year for the Orange at linebacker according to the post-spring depth chart and will be the leader on the defense.

How’d He Get Here?: The Philadelphia native had offers from UConn, Pitt, and Arizona, among others. He ultimately ended up choosing the Orange.

What’d Recruiting Sites Say?: Three stars from all of the recruiting sites.

Money Quote: Franklin discussing playing the best in an interview with Syracuse.com’s, Nate Mink:

“That type of player is my motivation. I like the Fournettes, the Cooks, the Hilimans, the Conners. You want to play against the best guys. Im hyped to play them.”

Links of Wonder: Bud Poliquin did a piece on Franklin and the leadership he brings to the table.

Twitterfeed: @ZiggySmalls_

Tweets of Wonder: “Crab in the barrel” should be the new, “The hay is never in the barn”:

What Does Babers Think of Him?: Babers wasn't worried about Franklin’s injury during spring practice due to his experience (via Syracuse.com):

“Zaire is a little bit different because he’s got a lot of experience going live and he’s played on the football field,” said Babers. “It’s a matter of him learning what to do and just making sure during two-a-days that he gets a good feel during live shots.”

Interesting Nugget O’Interest: Franklin is a dual major in finance and marketing management.

Let’s Get a Good Look Atcha: