Franklin is a 6-3, 240, Freshman linebacker from Warren Easton HS, New Orleans, LA. A PrepStar All-Southeast Region player Franklin will add size and length to a linebacking group. Playing as a defensive end last year Franklin had 16 sacks, 20 tackles for loss, 8 forced fumbles, 4 fumble recoveries, and an interception. Here is some of SB Nation's evaluation on Franklin from signing day followed by coaches' quotes:
Franklins' 40 yard dash is clocked in at 4.5 seconds. At 6-4 230lbs., this man can move. Franklin's explosion off the ball is unfair to opposing offenses, as he is able to exploit the much slower offensive linemen. As a pass-rusher, Franklin displays a good motor with an arsenal of moves. His rip move is exceptionally efficient, as he's able to work the edge with ease. As he polishes his pass rushing skills, look for his combination of speed and athleticism to dismantle Pac-12 offenses.
While Franklin displays good hand fighting skills and the ability to shed blocks against the run. He needs to work on consistently keeping his pad level low. This is especially true from a two point stance as he gives up too much ground. But that doesn't stop Franklin from giving his all, always getting after opposing QBs and RBs until the play is dead.
“Kendal came in as a freshman at 5-5 and 130 pounds. Now he is now 6-3, 240 pounds. It has been great to see his growth over the last four years. He is a tremendous football player. He rushes the pass well and is a smooth tackler. He’s a big gym rat, he’s always in the weight room working out and making himself better. I am excited to see what he will add to the Arizona football program.” – Warren Easton HS Coach Tony Hull
“Kendal is a kid who has a lot of length. He is a long-arm, long-body guy that shows some really good things off the edges as a pass rusher. He’s explosive and we are excited to get him into the program because he is a 6-3 kid. He’s probably going to end up somewhere around 240 pounds when he gets into our strength program so we are looking forward to what he can bring to the program.” – UA Coach Jeff Casteel
59 is also the number of points Arizona scored against Wash St last year tying the conference record and setting the Arizona record for the most points scored in a conference game.
