PRE-SIGNING DAY BOOST!: Alabama Lands In-State EDGE Standout Malique Franklin

PRE-SIGNING DAY BOOST!: Alabama Lands In-State EDGE Standout Malique Franklin

 

Pre-signing day rarely arrives without its share of twists, surprises, and momentum-shifting moments, but this week delivered one of the most energizing developments Alabama fans could have hoped for. Three-star EDGE rusher Malique Franklin, a long, explosive athlete out of Daphne, Alabama, has decided to stay home and commit to the Crimson Tide. The timing could not be more perfect. After earning an offer earlier in the week following a strong push from the staff, Franklin wasted no time giving his pledge on Tuesday afternoon, instantly injecting fresh energy into Alabama’s defensive future and fueling excitement among fans eager to see the next wave of homegrown talent.

 

 

 

Franklin’s rise has been one of grit, steady development, and eye-catching dominance at the high school level. Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing in at 250 pounds, he brings the frame every college coach looks for in a modern EDGE prospect—long arms, a thick lower half, and the kind of athleticism that allows him to bend, chase, and explode off the snap. His senior season at Daphne High School showed exactly why he was becoming one of the most intriguing late-cycle prospects in the state. With 98 tackles, 23 tackles for loss, 11 sacks, and 19 quarterback pressures, he did far more than just fill a stat sheet. He controlled games, disrupted blocking schemes, and forced opposing offenses to dedicate extra bodies to slowing him down. Many coaches who watched him this fall walked away convinced his best football is still ahead of him.

 

What makes Franklin’s commitment particularly significant is what it represents for the Crimson Tide within the evolving recruiting landscape. Alabama has always thrived on securing top-tier local talent, but in an era where national recruiting battles grow fiercer every year, locking down in-state prospects who understand the culture and expectations carries even more weight. Franklin arrives with the mentality of someone who has grown up watching the program dominate college football, and now he’s stepping into an environment he already respects, understands, and wants to elevate. His decision to stay home reflects a belief in what Alabama continues to build, even as the game shifts around NIL, transfer portals, and changing philosophies across the sport.

 

 

 

On the field, Franklin brings a blend of raw power and twitch that Alabama’s defensive staff loves to mold. His first-step burst allows him to threaten the edge immediately, and once he gets into the backfield, he finishes plays with the physicality of a much older player. There were countless moments during his senior campaign when he appeared to simply overwhelm offensive tackles, whether by collapsing the pocket with brute strength or slipping around the edge with fluid, natural athleticism. Coaches who evaluated him noted that he plays with a relentless motor, often chasing plays down from behind and showing the kind of effort that can elevate a defensive unit’s identity. That type of effort, paired with SEC-level development, makes Franklin a high-upside addition who could become a major contributor once he settles into the college game.

 

Off the field, Franklin is described as grounded, focused, and eager to work. Staying in Alabama allows him to remain close to home, family, and the community that has watched him grow from a quiet, lanky freshman into one of the most respected players in his region. Daphne High School has long produced physically gifted athletes, but Franklin stands out because of his blend of size and discipline. Many around the program believe he has only begun to tap into what he can become, especially with access to elite training, nutrition, and coaching. His decision to commit early in the week gives Alabama room to build momentum heading into signing day, strengthening relationships with other targets and solidifying the defensive core of the class.

 

In the long term, Franklin’s presence could become a defining piece of the Tide’s front-seven identity. The SEC is a conference built on trench warfare, and Alabama continues to prioritize explosive, multi-dimensional pass rushers who can disrupt quarterbacks and set strong edges against increasingly creative offenses. Franklin fits that mold seamlessly. His length allows him to affect throwing lanes, his power enables him to anchor against the run, and his athletic profile suggests he can be moved around the formation to exploit mismatches. The coaching staff sees him potentially developing into a versatile defender capable of contributing in multiple packages, whether as a traditional hand-in-the-dirt defensive end or a stand-up EDGE in pressure looks.

 

As signing day approaches, Alabama now holds a valuable boost of momentum thanks to Franklin’s decision. The excitement isn’t simply about adding another player; it’s about bringing in someone who embodies the program’s tradition of physical, disciplined defensive football. Malique Franklin arrives with the hunger to prove himself, the physical traits to develop into a major SEC force, and the pride of representing his home state on one of the sport’s biggest stages. For Alabama fans, this commitment sends a clear message: the pipeline of elite in-state talent is alive and thriving, and the future of the Crimson Tide defensive front just became even more promising.

 

If this is Alabama’s pre-signing day energy, the final stretch could be even more electric.