Miami hosts 4-star priority DL Kamarion Franklin for third time in 2 months: ‘I enjoy being here’

Lake Cormorant (Miss.) 2024 four-star defensive lineman Kamarion Franklin’s Saturday trip to Miami marked his third time visiting Coral Gables in two months: once for his official visit June 2; once for a one-on-one workout and unofficial visit in mid-June; and once for the Hurricanes’ end-of-July barbecue this weekend.

Franklin has been one of Miami’s top defensive line prospects in this cycle, and after Saturday’s visit, he has now visited the Hurricanes the second-most of any school in 2023 (Ole Miss is the only school he’s visited more). Tennessee and Auburn are also in strong contention for the No. 37 overall prospect in the On3 Industry Ranking and No. 7 defensive lineman.

“It’s just the people (at Miami),” Franklin said. “The people, the environment, the coaching staff, everything here is nice. I enjoy being here. I’ve been coming here a lot. It’s pretty cool.”

Miami co-defensive ends coach Jason Taylor has played a massive role in Franklin’s recruitment, but the 6-foot-5, 260-pound tackle has developed a strong relationship with tight ends coach Cody Woodiel as well. Head coach Mario Cristobal “keeps in contact if not every day, then every other day.” The Hurricanes’ staff communicates with Franklin daily as Miami continues to push, although Tennessee and Auburn have also made aggressive efforts.

Asked what it will take for one school to clearly separate itself from the pack, however, Franklin was vague.

“Just keep doing what they’re doing,” Franklin said. “Every school is good in their own way, so (they’ll) just (have to) keep doing what they’re doing.”

Franklin said he plans on committing “no later than September” but is still evaluating programs. He hopes to visit Miami, Tennessee and Auburn for games this fall and has an official visit scheduled to Auburn Sept. 23. The On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine lists Tennessee as the heavy favorite to land the four-star defensive lineman, although Franklin clarified he doesn’t feel one school has separated itself from the pack.

CaneSport’s Take

It’s hard not to be optimistic about where things sit with Franklin, and after now visiting the Hurricanes three times in 60 days, we feel confident about Miami’s chances. The importance of Franklin attending Miami’s cookout over its SEC competition shouldn’t be overlooked, and things are continuing to trend in the right direction.

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