News: Wide Receiver Zakhari Franklin Commits To Illinois Football

News: Ole Miss Transfer Wide Receiver Commits To Illinois Football

It’s now official that Illinois Football has locked in a very good veteran pass catcher. Former Ole Miss/UTSA wide-out Zakhari Franklin announced on Thursday (6/13) that he plans to finish his college career in Champaign. Of course, playing for Barry Lunney Jr, his former offensive coordinator at UTSA.  The pairing was a dominant force in the C-USA. In fact, Franklin, Lunney, and the Roadrunners strolled into Memorial Stadium in 2021 and delivered a brutal 37-30 loss to Illinois in Champaign. Zakhari put on a show that night, totaling 10 catches, 155 yards, and a touchdown to lead UTSA past Illinois.

Visit & Commitment

In the end, Zakhari’s decision came down to the Illini and the national runner-up Washington Huskies. Franklin made a stop out west, shortly after visiting Champaign the weekend of May 10th-12th. However, the speedy receiver walked away from Seattle un-committed. Essentially, leaving the door open for Illinois to close with strong connections. Certainly, coaches Bret Bielema and Barry Lunney Jr had an enticing pitch for the productive playmaker from Texas.

For Illinois, a receiver room that lacks veteran presence now has Zakhari Franklin and Pat Bryant to lead the young, yet talented core. For Franklin, the chance to become a top Big Ten target for Luke Altmyer is on the table.

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— 💤 (@ZakhariFranklin) June 13, 2024

Player Breakdown: Zakhari Franklin

After back-to-back 1,000+ yard seasons, and receiving first-team All-Conference (C-USA) twice, Franklin left USTA. He decided to transfer to Ole Miss in 2023, to take on better competition in the SEC. However, Zakhari only caught 4  passes for 38 yards and a touchdown for the Rebels in 2023. Seemingly, sinking down the depth chart. Unfortunately, he was injured during fall camp. Setting Franklin back physically, and holding him out of the first 3 games of the season in 2023. From then on, he struggled to find playing time behind starters Tre Harris, Jordan Watkins, and Dayton Wade.

However, the Illinois Football program hosts a prime opportunity for Franklin to be a go-to home run hitter in Champaign. At 6-feet tall and 190-pounds, with impressive speed and agility, the grad transfer checks a lot of boxes for the Illini’s offense.

The Film

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