Five-star defensive end Kamarion Franklin announced his commitment to Ole Miss on Saturday, providing Lane Kiffin and the in-state Rebels with a significant win on the recruiting trail.
Franklin, the No. 1 player in Mississippi according to Rivals.com, chose the home state school over finalists Auburn, Florida State, Miami and Tennessee. Auburn was in the race for the five-star until the very end, but Franklin couldn't pass on the opportunity to put on for his state.
"They want me to be the face of the program and stay home," Franklin told Rivals.com about what the pitch from the Rebels was.
The elite defensive end prospect out of the Magnolia State has established himself as game-changing prospect in the trenches. He set a school record with 19 sacks as junior, demonstrating the ability to create havoc and take over games.
Ole Miss defensive line coach Randall Joyner led the way for the Rebels in the recruitment of Franklin. Joyner established a strong relationship with the blue chip recruit and made it difficult for Franklin to leave home for college.
"I have a great relationship with coach Joyner. He's been recruiting me really hard and it made it tough for me to leave the state," said Franklin.
Franklin joins an Ole Miss haul that is headlined by fellow in-state defensive lineman Kamron Beavers and Jeffery Rush as defensive coordinator Pete Golding looks to reshape that side of the ball in Oxford.
"I was looking for a place that will develop me on and off the field," Franklin said. "Somewhere that will make me a better person and player."
Rivals ranks Kamarion Franklin as the No. 11 player in the 2024 recruiting cycle. He is the No. 1 player in Mississippi and the No. 2 strongside defensive end nationally. Franklin gives Ole Miss a five-star pledge in consecutive classes after Suntarine Perkins signed with the Rebels in 2023.
