Inglewood two-way standout gets it done
Defensive tackle/offensive tackle Charles Franklin (6-3, 282, 5.33) from Inglewood, Calif., is a two way standout who is beginning to come into own on and off the field.
The versatile Franklin earned first-team all-league on defense and offense as a junior after racking up 40 tackles, four sacks, two blocked field goals, one fumble recovery and one forced fumble. On offense, Franklin was the go to guy for a key block in crunch time.
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"Charles has been playing for since the ninth grade," Inglewood coach Stephen Thomas said. "We have seen him develop.
"We think Charles has a huge upside as D-tackle," Thomas said. "Probably a natural three-tech nose guard type of kid. His dad is about 6-4, so he has the potential to grow some more.
"Charles is one of our emotional leaders on the team," Thomas said. "He starts on both sides of the ball and makes a lot of plays for us on defense, but he also helps us out a lot on offense. He is the leader of our offensive line as well.
"Charles is a good kid with a lot of good character traits," Thomas said. "I don't think he ever thought he could play and now I think he's finally realizing that football may be an opportunity for him.
"To give you an understanding of how high his character is," Thomas said. "Charles is the type you can trust your wallet with.
"Now that he sees he has a chance in football, he's doing a better job in the classroom," Thomas said. "He's now motivated and I think, he going to work hard and be ready to go to college.
"Charles has the talent to play D-I college football," Thomas said. "Now he just has take care of his business in the classroom and he will be good to go."
What is Franklin looking for in a college?
"I want to attend a school that will help me progress as a student-athlete," Franklin said. "Also want to be around people that I can trust and truly cares about my education and will help get to the next level as a football player.
"Location isn't that important," Franklin said. "To me any college that can offer me a scholarship is good enough for me.
"I'm well rounded and I get along with a lot of people," Franklin said. "I just love the game of football and anybody who will let me play for them, I'll play for them."