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Georgia Tech bolstered its 2020 LB class with the addition of Khatavian Franks, a 3 star LB from Creekside HS in Fairburn, GA.
@khatavian_4 pic.twitter.com/yhKKQyN01y
— Georgia Tech Football (@GeorgiaTechFB) December 18, 2019
Franks is the 2nd LB from Creekside to commit to Tech this recruiting cycle, joining his teammate Tyson Meiguez on the flats. The combination was a terror for opposing HS offenses this year, and Franks in particular put up impressive stats on his way to being named Region Player of the Year:
Senior Szn stats @khatavian_4 158 tackles, 21 TFL,18 Sacks, 5 INT (3 for TD’s) , 1 safety, 3 FF.
— ⁸ (@khatavian_4) December 3, 2019
Franks was previously committed to Louisville, and chose Tech over offers from Colorado, Duke, Louisville, Michigan State, Pitt, and Virginia Tech, among many others. Franks is rated a 3-star by both Rivals(5.6), and 247Sports composite(.8580).
Film
Franks has an impressive ability to read plays, both in coverage and run defense. He does an excellent job finding routes out of the backfield in zone coverage, something the LBs at Tech have struggled to do for what seems like forever. He is also adept at shooting gaps, which led to his huge TFL and Sack numbers.
Franks has a long frame and is currently a bit thin, but could add some weight over time. As a result he is a fluid mover with exceptional burst, which is a big part of his gap shooting ability. Franks is also a solid form tackler who can separate the ball from the runner at the point of impact.
Franks has an athletic profile that is highly conducive to special teams play, and I expect him to contribute there early. He’ll also contribute early in passing down packages where he can use his exceptional coverage and blitzing ability. He’ll develop as a complete linebacker and see more standard down snaps with time.
Let’s Welcome Khatavian to the Flats!