Zakhari Franklin

Zakhari Franklin's Biography

Zakhari Franklin, born on October 15, 2000, is a talented American football player who currently plays the position of wide receiver for the Illinois Fighting Illini. Prior to joining this team, he had also accrued experience playing for the UTSA Roadrunners and the Ole Miss Rebels.

Franklin’s journey into football started from an early age, inspired by his place of growth in Cedar Hill, Texas. This is where he honed his craft, both personally and academically. His passion for football was evident in his high school experience at Cedar Hill High School. Here, he exhibited incredible talent, catching 23 passes for a staggering 687 yards and adding nine touchdowns to his sporting achievements.

His prowess on the field made his collegiate athletic career inevitable. As a result, Franklin made the defining decision to commit to playing college football at the revered University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA). This was a crucial step that would go a long way to shape his path in football.

Franklin’s college career kicked off with the UTSA Roadrunners where he proved himself to be a formidable force on the field. His freshman season showcased him making 38 catches for 491 yards, along with three touchdowns. But this was just the beginning, as he pushed to outdo his own performance.

Franklin garnered recognition in his sophomore year, earning the honorable mention All-Conference USA. This was after an impressive season where he caught 49 passes, moved the ball 694 yards over the green and scored seven touchdowns.

The junior year was nothing short of record-breaking for Franklin. He broke the school records by making 81 catches, covering 1,027 receiving yards, and ending with 12 touchdown receptions. His performance earned him the prestigious first-team All-Conference USA title.

As if it couldn’t get any better, Franklin surpassed his program records in his senior year. Adding 94 receptions to his tally, he also achieved 1,136 yards and rose the bar by completing 15 touchdowns.

Following the end of the season, he opted to explore new playing opportunities. Taking advantage of the additional year of eligibility granted to college athletes due to the coronavirus pandemic, Franklin entered the NCAA transfer portal and ultimately decided to transfer to Ole Miss.

Zakhari Franklin’s story remains an inspirational journey of talent, hard work, and the relentless pursuit of excellence within American football. From his early beginnings at Cedar Hill High School, his commitment to UTSA, and attracting commendable recognition, he has proven his worth as a wide receiver. His subsequent moves to Ole Miss and the Illinois Fighting Illini are a testament to his enduring talent and commitment to the game. Proving to be more than just an American football wide receiver, Zakhari Franklin’s potential still holds a lot of promise in the world of football.