Prospect Spotlight: Josh Franklin – Fridley (2021)

Brian Jerzak September 7, 2020 @ 02:00 PM

Since 2015, the Fridley Tigers’ football program has been a regular in Class AAAA state tournament. They have represented Section 4 every year but one in that time. Last season was perhaps the best of that run. They won ten straight games before falling in the state quarterfinals. The previous three seasons, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="18085" first="Josh" last="Franklin"]</strong> has been – literally - right in the middle of it all. "We were exceptional all around," Franklin said. "We had some flaws on offense and defense, but we had a great bond by the end of the year. That probably made our 10-0 streak what it was. We all connected well. I am glad we have a lot of players coming back." The Tigers’ success’s keys were balance on offense and making sure opposing offenses could not be balanced. "On offense, we were a passing team, but we could still run the ball when we needed to," Franklin explained. "Defensively, our defensive line was holding down the line. We forced teams to pass, and our secondary was amazing." Franklin has been a two-way player since his sophomore year and a varsity contributor since his freshman season. "I played nose tackle, the 5’11" 210-pound senior said. "I think my strengths are my quickness and power. I can usually overpower the offensive linemen. I developed a couple of spin moves before last year, so I didn’t have to bull rush all the time. On offense, I started at left guard. My strength was being a pulling guard." Although he plays both ways – and expects to this spring – Franklin favors one side of the ball over the other. "I have been focused on defense. I have been working on my footwork, my hands, and my spin move." During his junior year, Franklin went to State in two sports. "This winter, I wrestled. I would get into the weight room too, but it was mostly wrestling. I took third place at State at 195. I was a state place winner before, but this was the highest I have placed. I have been wrestling since 8th grade. I am best on my feet. I like to fake a shot and then shoot a single." Franklin would have been a three-sport athlete. "I would have been in track," Franklin told prepredzone.com. "I usually run the mile, and sometimes I throw the shot put and the discus." Once COVID-19 started dominating the headlines, Franklin was able to keep active. "During lockdown, my friend had a little gym in his backyard. I would go there and get my work in," the soon to be three-year starter said. "Now, I go to a trainer three times a week. I work out at a private gym sometimes too." Although they cannot see the offseason work, college programs have noticed Franklin’s solid play on the field. "I have offers from Mayville State at the DII level and Hamline and St. Johns at the DIII level. Wayne State and Dakota State also have shown me interest." The programs like the player Franklin is now, but they really like what they think he can become. "They tell me I show a lot of athletic ability for a guy my size and at my position. They feel they can work with that and make me into something more." If the Tigers get more from Franklin – their already stacked defense and solid all-around team look like they will be able to make a run at yet another section title.