Kamarion Franklin, 5-star defensive lineman, finalizing spring visit schedule; Auburn, Florida State, Miami, Ohio State among trips

The spring is a busy time for top high school football prospects to check out their options, and Lake Cormorant (Mississippi) five-star defensive lineman Kamarion Franklin is preparing to rack up the air miles.

The 6-foot-5, 260-pound athlete, rated the nation's No. 20 overall prospect, No. 4 defensive lineman and No. 1 player in Mississippi, has begun scheduling visits and detailed what he likes about each of those programs - with Florida State, Auburn, Miami, South Carolina, Ohio State and Oregon on the itinerary. 

Florida State — March 11

“I’ve been there two or three times and I enjoyed it. I like how they are recruiting me. I don’t have questions about the love they are going to show, because they show it every time, and show it when I’m not on campus. It’s really going there, having a good time and seeing if I could still see myself going there, playing in that program.”

Auburn — March 13

“I love their new staff. I feel like they are headed in a good direction. I’ve got a good relationship with coach (Hugh) Freeze and coach (Jeremy) Garrett, the (defensive) line coach. This will be my first time going to Auburn, so I’m expecting to learn more about the program and see what they have to offer.”

South Carolina — March 17

“I feel like they are headed in a good direction. They are getting a lot of key players and I feel like they are going to be a really good school and I’m excited to see what they have to offer as a school.”

Miami — March 25

“It’s a really good school. I love the atmosphere, the environment when I went there recently. I love the people, like coach (Mario) Cristobal. I have a good relationship with the whole coaching staff, like Jason Taylor, and the players — just everybody. I’m excited to go back and see more of what they have to offer to me.”

Texas A&M — April 1

“I enjoy it every time I’ve been there. I think I’ve been there three times. I enjoyed them all. I have a good relationship with coach (Terry) Price, the (defensive) line coach. It’s really just going out there to see if I could see myself there.”

Ohio State — April 14

“They have a history of guys that play my position - defensive end. I’m just excited to see what they have to offer and what the players are like. Like coach (Larry) Johnson, when I come they are going to show me the plan they have for me. I’m excited to see what they have to offer.”

Oregon — TBD

“I don’t really know much about Oregon, but I have a really good relationship with the D-line coach. I’m excited to see more of what they have to offer and learn more about the program. I do plan on getting out to Eugene and seeing more.” 

In late January, Franklin took an unofficial trip to Tennessee and came away impressed. 

“It was good," he said. "I enjoyed myself. I spent a lot of time with the coaches and they prioritized me. They showed love. They showed love to my mom. I got the picture of how it would be if I were to go there and how they would use me in their front.” 

Franklin said he "probably" won't commit until Signing Day, but hopes to trim his list to a group of finalists by either the end of the summer or sometime during the season.

As for his arrival on a college campus, it will come a little sooner than most.

“That’s already set in stone," he said. "I’ll be graduating in December and going to college (in January)."

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