The 50 most important college players in Texas in 2017 — No. 31: SFA's John Franklin

The importance of a player is not always defined by their skill level. The most important player on a team or in a unit is not always the best player on a team. This list is designed to breakdown the 50 most important players in Texas college football for the 2017 season. It is not a ranking of the 50 best college football players in the state. Importance can be defined by position, need, skill or leadership. We’ll count down the list through the summer, all the way to No. 1. Previously:50 – Lamar DE Daniel Crosley / 49 – TCU WR KaVontae Turpin / 48 – UTEP QB Ryan Metz47 – UMHB RB Markeith Miller / 46 – Sam Houston State DE PJ Hall / 45 – Baylor WR Blake Lynch44 – Texas Tech WR Jonathan Giles (transferred) / 43 – Texas Tech RB Justin Stockton42 – PVAMU WR Joshua Simmons / 41 – Rice RB Samuel Stewart / 40 – UNT WR Jalen Guyton39 – Texas RB Chris Warren / 38 – Rice OL Trey Martin / 37 – Texas A&M Commerce QB Luis Perez36 – Baylor DL K.J. Smith / 35 – Texas State LB Gabe Loyd / 34 – Texas State WR Thurman Morbley33 – Houston DB Khalil Williams / 32 – Texas Tech LB Jordyn BrooksThe History There is no question that John Franklin is one of the top pass rushers in the state, but his production is sometimes overlooked as he plays in the same conference as Sam Houston’s P.J. Hall. Franklin had his best season to date as a junior last year, taking advantage of an increase in opportunities to lead the Southland Conference in both quarterback hurries and forced fumbles. He finished the year with 32 tackles, 14.5 TFL, eight sacks and four forced fumbles, earning first-team All-Southland Conference honors while getting significant starting experience for the first time. Franklin saw some limited action as a freshman when his athleticism got him on the field right away. He was then a second-team All-Southland Conference selection as a sophomore, leading the team with 8.5 TFL and six sacks. Franklin was a three-sport athlete in high school and started for three years at defensive end for the Lions. The Skillset In high school, Franklin could use his physicality to just dominate opponents for three straight years. At 6-4, 284 lbs. he’s only gotten bigger and stronger each year in the Lumberjacks program. The growth of his fundamentals and technique are clear, as each year his production has climbed towards its full potential. Franklin’s breakout year last year showed exactly what he is capable of as a pass rusher, where he thrives as a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks. The Impact Franklin was a monster last season but he won’t be working with Kedrick Harrison on the defensive line this year, making his success that much more vital to the SFA defense. Franklin gets to the quarterback more than most defensive threats, which will continue to be an important part of SFA’s game plan. His final season will be a big one and Franklin will be looking to reach double-digit sacks for the first time in his career.

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