Interview: ASU Offer Draws More Recruiting Interest for 2023 California ATH/WR Delano Franklin
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
On the gridiron, speed kills and so does having a no fear mentality. Having no fear proves biggest as an insider receiver going across the middle and as a kick and punt returner staring down 11 souls ready to pound the guy with the ball into the turf. At the end of the 2020 California football season, not only did Delano Franklin show his skills and mental approach were above the grade, he showed he is one of the top rising prospects in the 2023 recruiting class.
After the breakthrough season with Bishop Amat, Franklin (5-10.5, 170) hauled down a scholarship offer from Arizona State. With the offer in-hand and camps on the summer schedule, college football programs up and down the west coast are learning about Franklin’s game changing skills on the field.
Interview
Delano, from the jump I have to share I love your no fear attitude on the field. That shows on your returns and going across the middle from the inside receiver spot. Before any game, what motivates you to play the game with that mentality?
Really, I am just trying to do the best possible. I perform at the best of my abilities to be seen by colleges so I can go to college. I want to help my team and I do it for my family.
I like that. You got to show off the wheels with the Lancers last season proving to be an impact player on special teams and offense. Just how fast are you?
My 40 is a 4.6, but that should improve. I didn’t run track this season, I was playing baseball. I haven’t done 40 training yet.
What are you doing this offseason to improve upon your overall speed and agility?
Speed training, working out in my garage, and working on the Verti-Max for more explosiveness and for more power when I am running. I am also pulling a sled and doing more footwork to get my turnover better and faster.
Have you maxed out on any of your lifts this offseason?
Yes, sir. My bench press max is 270.
Which areas of your game are you working on as a receiver?
I am working on using my hands more off the line, working against the backers, getting in and out of my breaks faster and by using less steps; my routes are really good. I am learning defenses and different coverages. I am looking at film to learn more.
What are some of the routes you run within the Lancers’ scheme?
Seams, curls, corners, deep outs, and crossers. My favorite is probably the corner route.
When the 2021 season gets going where all will we see you on the field?
Little bit of everywhere, receiver, slot receiver, wide out, running back, kick and punt returner, and at corner.
You weren’t kidding. I got to see you at Sofi Stadium this weekend at a Pylon Tournament. Which 7v7 team do you play for?
I play with Ground Zero
How is the 7v7 season going?
It is going well. We lost first round in this last one, but we’ve won a couple this offseason.
Playing 7v7, where are you seeing the improvements in your game working against other top players?
With my vertical routes. I am going deep, working against these safeties. My corner and post routes are getting better. My big play catches and catching when contested is improving.
Have you been to any national camps this offseason?
I have been to a Rivals’ invite only and an Under Armour invite only camp, and the Showcase Football camp, also invite only.
How did the Under Armour camp go for you?
My one on ones went really well. I had about six catches in the one-on-ones. There were two bad balls in my reps. All my releases were clean and all my routes were good going against the corners. I had a couple of touchdowns and some deep balls for touchdowns.
Have you been to any college camps?
Yes, I have been to three camps; two Redlands, the first one was a Washington hosted camp, the second one was Arizona State hosted, and I just came back from the UNLV camp on Saturday.
That UNLV camp was a big one. Lots of different schools there. How did that camp go?
That went really well. The one on ones were good too. I had a lot of catches, and I talked to some coaches there too.
At all the camps, what have been some of the feedback you have received from the coaches?
A lot of good stuff; they like my releases, liked my clean routes, and they liked my speed and quickness.
Are there any more camps coming up on your schedule?
Yes, I am going to another Redlands, Fresno State, and I should be going to Colorado and Nevada.
Very cool. Let’s get an update on your recruiting. You have an offer from Arizona State, which other schools are showing interest?
Before the camps, not so much, but after the camps, the schools showing interest are Cal, Washington, UNLV, UTEP, San Diego State, University of San Diego, and NAU (Northern Arizona).
Delano, I enjoyed getting the detailed interview in with you today. Wishing you the best of luck with the remaining camps and visits.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credit: RNG; Delano Franklin