Michigan ATH Jaylan Franklin: "I fell in love with Wisconsin"

During an interview with BadgerBlitz.com last Friday evening, Jaylan Franklin hinted at a potential commitment after his second unofficial visit to Wisconsin.

"They had a commit today from Nakia Watson at running back, so I think that was a trend," Franklin told BadgerBlitz.com. "Don't be surprised if others come soon."

That proved to be true as the Badgers' recruiting momentum in the state of Michigan continued Monday with a pledge from the three-star prospect.

"From the beginning I had a similar feeling to Michigan State, it felt like home and Wisconsin is in a great situation," Franklin, from Carlson High School, said. "They want to put me in the system and make me a great player for them.

"I loved the campus, I loved the people and I love the football they play. I guess I just felt right and fell in love with Wisconsin."

Franklin, 6-foot-4 and 210 pounds, chose the Badgers over offers from Michigan State, Northwestern, Pittsburgh and Vanderbilt, among others, with strong interest coming from Notre Dame. He joins offensive lineman Michael Furtney and safety Reggie Pearson as fellow commits from Michigan in UW's 2018 class.

"I think I wanted to secure my spot more than anything," Franklin said. "I had already missed out on an opportunity with Northwestern filling up their class. So I wanted to jump on this as soon as everything felt right.

"I feel like the schools who have wanted me most have been doing just that. After the visit to Wisconsin I felt best with making this decision."

A projected tight end, Franklin, the No. 15 player in Michigan and the No. 45 athlete in the senior class, is expected to be the only prospect at the position UW takes in the current cycle.

"All the coaches were pretty excited when I committed," Franklin said. "We've wanted to make this move and with them only taking one tight end, I think they were pretty relieved after we made it official. I'm done with all visits and camps. I will be focusing on my school and getting ready for my senior season.

"I feel amazing having made this decision. Most kids love the recruiting process but not me - it's stressful and you have to be tough and stay strong. It was hard saying goodbye to all of the coaches I've met, but I have to do what's best for me and that's been my motto throughout this thing. I feel great and I can't wait to see what's next for me."

Franklin, who threw for 779 yards and rushed for 568 yards on offense, and recorded 89 tackles and nine sacks on defense last fall, will be after two more big Wisconsin targets close to his home.

"(Wide receivers) Taj (Mustapha) and A.J. (Abbott), for sure," he said. "Those are my guys."

Wisconsin currently has 12 commitments in the 2018 class.