Malique' Franklin

Physical Profile

Possesses an outstanding 6-foot-6, 252-pound frame with above-average length and a high-cut physique that can easily support additional mass. A multi-sport athlete with a background in basketball and track and field (shot put, javelin, discus), his athleticism is evident on the field and provides a strong developmental foundation. His size and movement skills project favorably to an Edge position or a 5-technique defensive end, with the body type to potentially grow into an interior pass-rushing role.

Play Style

An aggressive, athletic playmaker who currently wins with his natural physical gifts of explosion and effort. Has experience lining up in both two- and three-point stances, showcasing a quick first step to threaten the edge. He uses his hands violently to get off blocks and has shown periodic ability to stack and shed. As a former tight end, he displays good coordination, which could translate to batting down passes at the line of scrimmage.

Strengths

• Frame and Length: Prototypical size at 6-foot-6 with a massive wingspan, allowing him to create separation, disengage from blockers, and swallow up ball carriers.
• Explosive Production: Demonstrated a massive leap in performance in his lone season on defense, tallying 98 tackles, 23 tackles for loss, and 11 sacks, indicating a steep upward trajectory.
• Motor and Effort: Plays with relentless energy, making effort-based and chase-down plays. His film shows a prospect who consistently pursues to the whistle, and his three blocked kicks as a senior highlight his tenacity.

Areas to Improve

• Technical Refinement: Considered raw from a technical standpoint due to his limited experience on defense, he needs development in hand usage, pass-rush counters, and maintaining low pad level to consistently win against collegiate offensive linemen.
• Functional Strength: While possessing a great frame, he will need to add significant strength and mass in a college weight program to hold up against the run at the point of attack and convert speed to power more effectively.

College Projection

Projects as a Power Four-caliber defensive lineman with the potential to become a multi-year starter. He is a classic high-ceiling prospect who will likely require a redshirt year to focus on physical and technical development. Given his rapid improvement, he could evolve into an impact player by his second or third year, offering scheme versatility across the defensive front.

Best Fit

A program with a strong track record of player development and an elite strength and conditioning program that can maximize his raw physical traits. His ideal fit is in a defense that allows its linemen to be aggressive and attack, potentially using him as a stand-up rusher on early downs with the future potential to shift inside on passing downs as his frame fills out.