Schlarman likes in-state linebacker
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John Schlarman is recruiting an in-state linebacker that's starting to be mentioned as a player to watch.
Steven Franklin is a Glasgow linebacker from the '17 class with early offers from Northwestern and Illinois State. At 6-foot-1 and 215 pounds he's the latest player from the Commonwealth to quietly come up through the ranks as a sleeper that's very likely got a future in the Power Five ranks.
"I've been talking to Coach Schlarman since the summer and I really like (him)," Franklin said. "He is a great man and just knows how to have a good time and bring a smile to his recruits' faces. Just love being around him and the UK staff. I stay in touch with him like every other week and I sent him my game film from each week so I can get feedback on what I can incorporate into my game.
"On the UK interest, Coach Schlarman said they are very interested in me. He watches film from my games and he has heard I'm having a great junior season so far, on being (near) the top of the state (rankings) in defensive stats such as tackles and sacks," he said.
Schlarman likes Franklin's size, the player told Cats Illustrated.
"I could come up there and pick up some more weight to play the outside linebacker position," he said.
Franklin's first unofficial visit to UK was early in the summer. That was for a camp.
"I had a great camp, going undefeated in the one-on-ones," Franklin said. "And got to see the beautiful campus."
He also returned to Lexington for the UK-Florida game in September. Franklin said he "absolutely loved" that experience.
"The atmosphere was great and I just love the UK fan base and how they stand behind their Cats. I just really like UK and it's in my top choices of colleges I like," he concluded.
