Talked to the new Cal CB commit from Mesa Community College tonight. Here are the noteworthy things ahead of the full story:
- Cal was his lone offer, but it wasn't going to be for long: Nebraska, Texas Tech, Syracuse, Arizona, TCU and Colorado had all requested transcripts prior to Franklin's Cal visit and subsequent commitment.
- Cal was aggressive in their pursuit, and he appreciated that. Burns contacted him mid-season, watched him in a game at Mesa, and maintained steady contact since. Lovett did an in-home last week and set up Franklin's OV right then. Cal being serious enough about him made Franklin feel like he could act in kind.
- He knows a few Cal guys already. Derron Brown is a guy he's known a long time, and they were teammates just last season at Mesa. Brown had told Franklin a lot about his own adjustment and experience in Berkeley. Luke Rubenzer is a familiar face as well, as they played 7-on-7 together in high school. Luke was supportive as well.
- He had a lot of good things to say about John Lovett: "Genuine, intelligent and experienced coach. Knows what he likes and he's a guy I know I want to play for."
- Academics mattered a lot to him. He's a Media Studies major, so Cal's Communications department being so strong played well. He repeatedly cited the rankings and stats.
- He's young. Graduated high school at 17. 3 to play 2
- measured at 6'1/187. Excited for training table and a more regimented strength and conditioning program.
- 3 to play 2
