Illinois Football: Zakhari Franklin Cracks Impressive Preseason Watch List

The Earl Campbell, Tyler Rose Award Watch List

Highly anticipated wide receiver transfer Zakhari Franklin has cracked an impressive watch list, prior to the 2024 season. According to the Illinois Football program, the senior was named a preseason candidate for the Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award.

The honor is awarded annually to the nation’s most outstanding player, who’s either a high school graduate or an attendee at a D1 university, from the State of Texas. Of course, Franklin, a Cedar Hill Texas native, would certainly qualify in that case.

Award winners must also display unwavering performance, integrity, sportsmanship, teamwork, and involvement in the winners’ local community. Additionally, the recipient must have faced adversity (injuries, tough times, etc) over the course of their career.

Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award Watch List@ZakhariFranklin x @ecampbellaward#Illini // #HTTO // #famILLy pic.twitter.com/bwPzoAKKHF

— Illinois Football (@IlliniFootball) August 21, 2024

Why Zakhari Can Win

Zakhari joins Illini Football as the nation’s active leader in receptions with 266 catches, totaling 3386 yards, and 38 touchdowns. Certainly, this is a great start to his resume, but, why is he joining Illinois to start, if he was such a high producer elsewhere?

Adversity

The 6th year senior spent the first 4 seasons of his career as a wideout at the University of Texas at San Antonio. At UTSA, he was a 2-time all-conference player in the C-USA. Of course, he was coached under current Illini OC Barry Lunney Jr.  Lunney Jr arrived to Champaign in 2021 and delivered a haunting loss for Illinois fans.

Making use of a Covid Redshirt, Franklin took a gamble and took his many talents to the SEC for his senior season. Unfortunately, his time at Ole Miss was cut short, due to a knee injury.

High Hopes

Zakhari has since reunited with Barry Lunney Jr at Illinois. His quickness and play-making ability is truly impressive. Paired with familiarity with the offense and mindset, the senior can certainly make a splash for Illinois football. The opportunity is there for Franklin to be an all-Big Ten, NFL-caliber player. Undoubtedly, Luke Altmyer will rely on him as a reliable option in the passing attack.

It is possible the transition to the Big Ten could pose a threat to Zakhari, but, we have seen personally what he can do to a Big Ten secondary. Health throughout the season, would be my main concern. However, the staff is confident he is back to full strength. If he can stay healthy, and produce at a high level once more, he has a great shot at bringing home the honors.

Dec 2, 2022; Credit: Daniel Dunn-USA TODAY Sports