The Virginia football team continued its recent recruiting roll in Georgia with a third straight commitment from the state. Cedric Franklin II out of Kell High School in Marietta became the latest Peach State pledge on Friday.
Last week, Jaylin Lackey (South Gwinnett/Snellville, GA) and Chase Morrison (Roswell/Roswell GA) made the call for the Hoos from what has become a regular recruiting spot for the program. The trio joins a program where there are currently 12 Georgia players on the roster.
Franklin announced his decision on social media.
IM HOME‼️ @UVAFootball @Coach_TElliott @CoachCCox @Coach_Rud @CoachSheridan15 pic.twitter.com/FifYMONq1W
— Cedric Franklin II (@DBUCED) June 17, 2023
The 2024 recruiting class now has eight commitments. Ethan Minter (Virginia), John Rogers (Virginia), Benjamin York (Virginia), Grant Ellinger (Illinois), Christian Zachary (South Carolina), Chase Morrison (Georgia), Jaylin Lackey (Georgia), and Franklin make up the list. 247 Sports rates all eight prospects as 3-star recruits.
Franklin chose Virginia over offers from Boston College, Missouri, West Virginia, Coastal Carolina, ODU, East Carolina, Appalachian State, and others. He made his choice for the Hoos while on an unofficial visit at UVA.
The 6’1″, 180-pound rising senior projects as a safety for the Cavaliers. He played that position along with cornerback and receiver last season for Kell as the team went 10-2 in Georgia’s 5A Classification. He posted 39 tackles, 7 pass breakups, and 2 fumble recoveries; he also had a touchdown per his MaxPreps.com stats.
For Virginia, Franklin is the third commitment in the 2024 class that could play in the secondary. Lackey is listed as a cornerback recruit, while Minter is a designated athlete recruit that is expected to get a first look at safety. With the Hoos running a scheme with hybrid positions under defensive coordinator John Rudzinski, there are often three safeties on the field so it is an important position in recruiting.
Franklin will bring 4.5 speed to the safety spot per his Hudl profile. His Hudl highlights for his junior season can be found here.
