South Carolina offers impressive in-state defensive line athlete

As reported by GamecockCentral’s Wes Mitchell, South Carolina defensive ends/outside linebackers coach Sterling Lucas was in Greenville last night to check in on class of 2026 defensive lineman Franklin Whitley. Following the trip to the Upstate, Whitley returned the favor with an unofficial visit to Columbia.

While in town, Whitley announced that the Gamecocks had sent a scholarship offer his way. He revealed the offer on social media following a conversation with head coach Shane Beamer.

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Whitley is in his first year playing high school football. At 6-7 and 265 pounds, he is a physical specimen who excelled on the basketball court before adding the gridiron game to his resume. A smooth athlete for a player his size, Whitley has adapted well to football. He has an enormous wingspan and extremely high potential for improvement as a player.

Despite being just halfway through his first-ever season on the field, Whitley has made an impression in the recruiting world. Rivals already views him as the No. 10 player in South Carolina, and he has picked up several big-time power conference offers. The Georgia Bulldogs have been one of the teams most involved with the big Palmetto State native.

There is some positional uncertainty around Whitley’s future. Lucas’ visit to see Whitley might be indicative of South Carolina’s belief that he can play EDGE at the college level. However, he has a frame that could easily see him grow into an athletic defensive tackle. 247Sports rates him as a defensive line prospect instead of as an EDGE. No matter which spot he winds up playing, Whitley is a player who can put together a nice career.

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Whitley was vocal about his desire to receive a South Carolina offer. Now that the Gamecocks have pulled the trigger, Shane Beamer’s team will be one to watch.

The Rivals Industry Ranking considers Whitley the No. 1399 overall prospect. He’s also No. 25 in South Carolina and No. 116 nationally among EDGE recruits. Those numbers are negatively affected by the fact that the On3/Rivals database hasn’t adjusted to include ESPN’s new rating for Whitley. The worldwide leader recently labeled him a four-star defensive tackle recruit and the ninth-best player in the state.

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