Malique' Franklin

Physical Profile

Franklin possesses an ideal frame for a modern defensive end, listed between 6-foot-5 and 6-foot-6 and weighing 250-258 pounds. His higher-cut physique suggests significant capacity to add muscle mass without sacrificing athleticism, with some reports indicating Alabama's staff plans to have him gain significant weight. A multi-sport background in basketball and track and field (shot put, javelin) highlights his overall coordination and explosive traits.

Play Style

On film, Franklin is an aggressive and athletic edge player who thrives on making plays in the backfield. He displays a good burst off the line of scrimmage and has a knack for closing on the quarterback. His style is built on overwhelming opponents with his physical gifts and relentless motor. He is often seen making tackles downfield and pursuing plays from the backside, showcasing a high level of effort.

Strengths

• Elite Frame and Length: His height and wingspan are premier physical traits, giving him a distinct advantage in controlling offensive linemen, shedding blocks, and closing passing windows.
• High-Impact Senior Production: He demonstrated a dramatic leap in performance as a senior, recording 98 total tackles, 23 tackles for loss, and 11 sacks. This level of disruption against top-tier Alabama 7A competition signals a high ceiling.
• Versatility and Motor: Franklin has experience playing from both a two-point and three-point stance and makes numerous plays based on pure effort and chase-down speed. His athleticism allows him to impact plays away from his initial gap.
• Untapped Potential: Having transitioned from offense earlier in his high school career, he is still new to the defensive side of the ball. This rawness, combined with his rapid development, suggests his best football is well ahead of him.

Areas to Improve

• Technical Polish: As a raw prospect, he relies more on athleticism than refined technique. He will need to develop a full arsenal of pass-rush moves, improve his hand placement, and learn to use counters to succeed against elite college tackles.
• Pad Level: Common for taller players, he will need to consistently work on maintaining a low pad level to effectively play with leverage, hold the point of attack in the run game, and maximize his power.

College Projection

Franklin is a classic developmental prospect with high-end starter potential at a Power Four program. He will likely require a redshirt year to add mass and refine his technique under collegiate coaching. His trajectory could see him become a key rotational player by his second or third year, with the upside to develop into a multi-year starter at either strong-side defensive end or potentially as an interior pass rusher in certain packages.

Best Fit

His size and athleticism make him an excellent fit for a multiple-front defensive scheme, similar to what Alabama employs. He could be used in various roles, from a traditional hand-in-the-dirt defensive end to a stand-up 'Bandit' or 'Wolf' linebacker, allowing a defensive coordinator to leverage his pass-rushing upside as he develops into a more complete, every-down player.