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Notre Dame Lands DT Ja'Mion Franklin

Maryland defensive tackle Ja'Mion Franklin is the 12th member of Notre Dame's 2018 class.
Maryland defensive tackle Ja'Mion Franklin is the 12th member of Notre Dame's 2018 class.

Following the program’s Junior Day on February 11, Notre Dame landed six commitments in the span of just over five weeks ending March 25 with Ohio offensive lineman John Dirksen.

The wait between commitments for Irish fans has ended as Ridgely (Md.) North Caroline defensive tackle Ja’Mion Franklin committed to Notre Dame as expected during a ceremony at his high school.

Franklin visited South Bend in late March and landed his offer during the trip. The Irish quickly made a move for the 6-foot-2, 308-pounder due to the balance of academics and athletics. He continued to stay in contact with Brian Kelly, defensive coordinator Mike Elko and defensive line coach Mike Elston throughout the process.

“Education factor,” Franklin told Blue & Gold in May about what stands out about Notre Dame. “They want to compete and win championships. I want to play for championships. They have great guys there and they have the will to win. They are all about making progress and taking steps forward and not back.

“They are definitely genuine people. Every time I talk to them it’s not a 10-minute conversation it’s a good 45 minutes.”

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Notre Dame had been the perceived leader for Franklin following the visit and the three-star originally planned to announce his decision on July 1. But, after being invited to The Opening Finals in Beaverton, Oregon this summer, held June 28-July 3, Franklin moved the date up.

Franklin selected the Irish over offers from Wisconsin, Virginia Tech, Vanderbilt, Virginia, Northwestern, Louisville, Pittsburgh. Georgia Tech and Boston College, among others.

Franklin ranks as the No. 36 defensive tackle in the nation and is commitment No. 12 for the Irish. He joins Jersey City (N.J.) St. Peter’s Prep Jayson Ademilola and Justin Ademilola on the defensive line in the 2018 class for Notre Dame.

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