West Virginia State University Athletics

Franklin was a four-year letterman for the Yellow Jackets football team. He was the team captain for three years, 1987-1989. His freshman year in 1986, Franklin joined the football team as a quarterback and led the team in total offense and received Honorable Mention All WVIAC. His sophomore year he led the team to an 8-1-1 record and was named the WVIAC Offensive Player of the Year and the Overall WVIAC Conference Player of the Year. He won Player of the Week award six times that year. He was also named to the NAIA All American Team. His junior year he was also named the WVIAC Offensive Player of the Year and the Overall WVIAC Conference Player of the Year. He won Player of the Week five times that year and he led the nation in total offense for four weeks and again received NAIA All American honors. His senior season, Franklin broke several West Virginia State offensive records and became the WVIAC Conference record holder in total offense and was named to the WVIAC All Conference Team.