Franklin Shannon is another one of those kids who likely projects to that hybrid LB/S role in the OU scheme. Most think he has the frame to add the necessary weight to play LB, but his future is more likely at a true safety spot. He is a kid who compares to current Sooner Tony Jefferson, which would be a lofty standard to live up to as a true freshman. Now I wouldn't expect him to come in and do what Jefferson did, but their games are very similar. Shannon will be a much better defender against the run early in his career and will need to improve upon being more decisive in his pass reads (I'd say that's pretty similar to Jefferson). You can tell from the video the kid loves to deliver the blow and repeatedly separates man from ball. Like a lot of high school kids, he could stand to improve on player lower to better utilize his leverage.
Shannon is from perennial powerhouse Skyline High School and his friendship with OU's Corey Nelson (also from Skyline) definitely played a role in his recruitment. Shannon 6'0" 210 is a three star recruit and the #37 overall DB per Rivals. He turned down offers from Arizona, Arkansas, Missouri, Nebraska, and Texas A&M to commit to OU.
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