T H E C L A S S O F 2 0 1 7 >>
WHAT
HE DID
When it comes to positions played, Franklin
did it all. He started his football career as a middle linebacker,
defensive end, running back and tight end and even saw a bit
of action at quarterback. In high school, he continued to pitch
in wherever needed. As a junior, not only did he excel at line-
backer, but also wide receiver, cornerback, defensive end and
even nose guard. As a senior, he played defensive end and
outside linebacker while also serving as a playmaker on of-
fense, helping lead Battleense. He also
received All-Met honors from The Washington Post and was
a ectively in college. Franklin has an ex-
plosive er from Alabama, but in the end, the Tar Heels,
Volunteers, Cavaliers and Hokies gave PSU the strongest
competition.
QUOTABLE Rob Matos (father): "He's extremely long and
he's extremely fast. He's got a really solid football IQ. He
studies the game quite a bit. He hasn't always been that way,
but he's really matured over the last couple of years and re-
ally become a student of the game and studied di>erent de-
fenses and how to play di>erent scenarios in di>erent
situations, which has really impressed me. He is incredibly
coachable. ... He's a hard-working kid. He's got a high motor,
and the upside is ridiculous."
STAFF SAYS James Franklin: "He's just going to get bigger.
He's just going to get stronger. He's going to get more explo-
sive. He's 6-5, 240 pounds right now and he's playing bas-
ketball. We're really, really excited about him."
PHIL'S TAKE One of the most athletic strongside defensive
end prospects in the Class of 2017, Gross-Matos is reported
to have 4.57-second 40-yard speed, a 30-inch vertical leap
and a 4.32 shuttle time. He has the frame to play at 260 or
even 270 pounds at the college level. Physically, he reminds
me of former Nittany Lion All-American Courtney Brown.
Gross-Matos uses his hands well to shed blocks and gives
100 percent on every play. He has the potential to be a four-
year contributor at Penn State. ■
YETUR
GROSS-MATOS
RIVALS ★★★★
POS DE HT 6-5 WT 242
HOME Spotsylvania, Va.
SCHOOL Chancellor
Rivals.com
