Five-star DL Kamarion Franklin, the No. 1 player in the state of Mississippi, has committed to Ole Miss

OXFORD, Miss. — One of the most intense recruiting battles of the 2024 cycle came to a head Saturday at noon as defensive lineman Kamarion Franklin, the No. 1 player in the state of Mississippi, announced his verbal commitment to Ole Miss. 

I’m Home🦈!! #Committed @Hayesfawcett3 pic.twitter.com/nYmTF40d96

— Kamarion“Big Kam”Franklin (@KamarionFrankl1) August 19, 2023

Let’s goooooo! Just got a big time program changer!!!!

Nothing but greatness ahead!!!!

The best in the sip go to OLE MISS!… pic.twitter.com/nd4hJH6aSH

— Randall Joyner (@LetsGo_Bo5) August 19, 2023

“Big Kam,” as he is known in the football world, made the announcement live on his Instagram.

Franklin holds over 36 offers to date, and ultimately chose Ole Miss over Auburn, Florida State, Miami and Tennessee. Early Signing Day is December 20, 2023.

They Can’t handle me on Land Or Sea, what am I???🦈❤️Appreciate the great visit!@LetsGo_Bo5 @Lane_Kiffin @RebelsFBRec pic.twitter.com/qdqHmuVv6n

— Kamarion“Big Kam”Franklin (@KamarionFrankl1) January 17, 2023

Getting the best

Ole Miss now has commits from three of the top five prospects in the state of Mississippi for 2024. The Rebels got three of the top five in the 2023 cycle, as well.

In the four years from 2019-2022, Ole Miss only signed three TOTAL of the top five in their respective cycles.

If Franklin signs in December, the Rebels will have landed the No. 1 recruit in Mississippi for the second consecutive year after having signed 5-star linebacker Suntarine Perkins in the 2023 cycle. Ole Miss previously had not signed the state’s top recruit since 2015.

Auburn had long been thought to hold the edge over the others, but a late push by the Rebels was enough to sway Kamarion to Oxford. Ole Miss and staff will now look to hold on until the December 20 early signing day.

Spring is heating up! The No.1 player in the Sip is back in Oxford! The Rebs will be hosting '24 blue-chipper defensive lineman @KamarionFrankl1 out of Lake Cormorant! Stay Tune over @TheRebelWalk for more on a "Big Kams" visit. #RWRecruiting #StayInTheSip pic.twitter.com/Xi9onLu1on

— LeeAnn Herring (@MissKYUS2011) April 4, 2023

It has been no secret that the Rebs have made strengthening the defensive line a priority in Pete Golding’s defense. Head coach Lane Kiffin and his staff are well on their way to an elite 2024 class, and in Franklin’s case they didn’t have to look far — he is from nearby Lake Cormorant, Miss. 

The 6-foot-5, 285-pound 5-star is the No. 30 overall prospect in the country,  the No. 6 defensive lineman in the nation and the No. 1 overall player in the Sip.

Me, my potential is unmatched. I’m the chosen one, but time will tell🥀 pic.twitter.com/J1KuETy85t

— Kamarion“Big Kam”Franklin (@KamarionFrankl1) July 27, 2023

During his junior campaign, Kamarion set the single-season sack record at Lake Cormorant where he notched 93 tackles and 19 sacks. 

He also returned one fumble for a touchdown and blocked three kicks.  

Big Kam is a player that has shown growth every season. Even during his sophomore season, he was a driving force on the defensive line as he tallied 71 tackles, 11 sacks, 4 INTs, and one forced fumble.

And there’s more!

Franklin’s athleticism doesn’t just shine on the gridiron, it also shines on the hardwood. When he’s not taking down offensive linemen, he is all in for Lake Cormorant hoops. 

As a junior, he averaged 6.2 points per game, 7.9 rebounds and 1.0 blocks. During his sophomore season on the court, he averaged 6.4 points, 7.4 rebounds and 1.0 blocks per game.

I act humble, but you could go and check my numbers, i ain’t average💯#llkaydee🤞🏾 pic.twitter.com/moLo0zNX6U

— Kamarion“Big Kam”Franklin (@KamarionFrankl1) July 16, 2023

There’s no question this defensive unit is well on its way to being one of the top in the class of 2024. (Click here to see a list of the 2024 commits.)

Bravo to defensive coordinator Pete Golding who made Franklin’s recruitment a top priority, as did defensive line coach Randall Joyner, and coordinator of recruiting strategy Kelvin Bolden. They remained persistent in Kamarion’s recruitment and worked to keep such strong talent at home. 

KING OF THE SIP〽️ @LetsGo_Bo5 @Lane_Kiffin @_kbolden @RebelsFBRec @OleMissFB pic.twitter.com/7RyUrWztDy

— Kamarion“Big Kam”Franklin (@KamarionFrankl1) April 4, 2023

Hotty Toddy to the “King of the ‘Sip!”