Illinois Football: A Transfer Wide Receiver Target To Keep An Eye On

Illinois Football: A Transfer Wide Receiver Target To Keep An Eye On

Chris Hummer of 24/7 Sports announced on X that Ole Miss wide receiver Zakhari Franklin has entered the transfer portal. Familiar name Illini fans? That’s because Franklin used to play for UTSA. UTSA came into Memorial Stadium in 2021 and delivered a gut-punching 37-30 loss in Champaign. A game in which, Zakhari put on a show. Snagging 10 catches, 155 yards, and a touchdown to lead the Roadrunners past a Big Ten foe in Illinois Football. After two straight 1,000-yard seasons, and being named a back-to-back first-team All-Conference recipient, Franklin left USTA. He decided to transfer to Ole Miss in 2023, to take on bigger competition in the SEC. However, he only caught 4  passes for 38 yards and a touchdown. Seemingly, sinking down the depth chart.

Unfortunately, the 6-foot, 190-pound wide receiver was injured during fall camp. Setting him back physically, and holding him out of the first 3 games of the season for Ole Miss. From then on, Zakhari struggled to find playing time behind starters Tre Harris, Jordan Watkins, and Dayton Wade. The native of Cedar Hill, TX will certainly find himself on the Illinois staff’s radar, especially with the connection of OC Barry Lunney Jr. Lunney Jr  was the coach called the plays for UTSA when the Roadrunners came into Illinois and offensively dominated.

Ole Miss WR Zakhari Franklin has entered the transfer portal, @mzenitz and I have learned for @247Sports.

Franklin caught 4 passes for the Rebels this past season in limited action. He had back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons in 2021 and 2022 for UTSA. https://t.co/OQuv83kBvN pic.twitter.com/8hzCHeYc2i

— Chris Hummer (@chris_hummer) April 29, 2024

Portal Priorities

Defensive Backs

Defensive Backs Zachary Tobe, Price Ford, and Elijah Mc-Cantos have all entered their name into the transfer portal. Certainly, players get started over, they see the road forward, they leave… It happens all the time in this new NCAA world. However, this could spell problems for Aaron Henry if not addressed. Quality depth is key for any position to succeed, and the Illini secondary is certainly in the biggest need for solid depth.

Wide Receivers

Illinois Football fans recently watched Casey Washington and Isaiah Williams sign NFL contracts. Great news for the Illini program, as this gives Bielema and company a tool in the recruiting pitch. The recent success is great. However, there is a need to reload. Pat Bryant is ready to roll as an experienced veteran, leading the way for the Illini receiving core. However, the rest of the receiver depth is unproven. Illinois will have to rely heavily on new, young faces like Hank Beatty, Malik Elzy, Kenari Wilcher, and others to step up and produce. If Illinois were to bring in an experienced wideout in Franklin, you could feel pretty good about Barry Lunney’s offense. Keep an eye on this one.

The Film

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