Signed: Brailyn Franklin

WHAT HE DID When it comes to positions played, Franklin did it all. He started his football career as a middle linebacker, defensive end, running back and tight end and even saw a bit of action at quarterback. In high school, he continued to pitch in wherever needed. As a junior, not only did he excel at linebacker, but also wide receiver, cornerback, defensive end and even nose guard. As a senior, he played defensive end and outside linebacker while also serving as a playmaker on offense, helping lead Battlefield to a 7-3 regular-season record.

WHAT HE WON Franklin was named his conference’s player of the year and made the first-team All-State squad as a defensive lineman and all-purpose player on offense. He also received All-Met honors from The Washington Post and was a first-team All-Virginia selection by USA Today. Listed as a three-star prospect by Rivals.com, Franklin is the 57th-ranked outside linebacker nationally and the 24th-ranked player in his state.

WHERE HE VISITED Early and often, Franklin took visits to Virginia Tech. But after he traveled to Penn State for a junior day in May, those visits to Blacksburg became less frequent. In the end, this came down to a battle between the Nittany Lions and Hokies.

QUOTABLE Franklin: “I think [what] has helped me play the positions that I play and do the things that I do is the fact that I’ve played running back. That has gotten my vision straight. That’s how I’m pretty much able to see the backfield and look for everything that’s going on because I know where holes are and where holes will be.”

PHIL’S TAKE Franklin is one of the most interesting players in Penn State’s class. Although he didn’t see much action at outside linebacker in high school, he has the physical potential to play that spot very effectively in college. Franklin has an explosive first step and plays like a 230-pound linebacker. After playing a multitude of positions at Battlefield, he will need to work on his technique at Penn State. But with 4.55-second 40-yard speed and a frame that should be able to handle 225 to 230 pounds, he has as much upside as anyone in this class. I expect him to redshirt as a freshman.