Franklin Drafted by Indianapolis Colts

ARLINGTON, Texas – Syracuse linebacker Zaire Franklin was selected in the seventh round (No. 235 overall) of the 2018 NFL Draft by the Indianapolis Colts on Saturday, April 28.

Franklin is the first Orange linebacker drafted since Marquis Spruill in 2014, and he is the fourth Syracuse played selected by the Colts since 1990 (Marvin Harrison – 1996, Dwight Freeney – 2002, Delone Carter – 2011).

A two-time All-ACC selection, Franklin played in 48 games (39 starts) for the Orange from 2014-17. He totaled 311 tackles, 31.5 tackles for loss, 8.5 sacks, five forced fumbles and two interceptions in his career. Franklin carded 85 tackles, including 5.5 for a loss, as a senior.

The first three-time captain in modern Syracuse football history, Franklin was a semifinalist for the 2017 Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Award and the 2017 Coach Wooden Citizenship Cup. He was also named a quarterfinalist for the 2017 Lott IMPACT Trophy.

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Syracuse University Athletics

Players Mentioned

Zaire Franklin

Marquis Spruill

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