Pictured: Inside Carver-Hawkeye Arena on the campus of University of Iowa.
Iowa wrestling has made an effort to beef up its in-state recruiting efforts in recent weeks. In October alone, at least eight Iowans pledged to wrestle for Tom and Terry Brands at the next level. Plus, in September, Iowa City's own Ben Kueter also decided to join the Hawks.
That said, we learned this weekend that the Iowa staff isn't opposed to going back to the Keystone State for some of its future talents as it has done often in recent years. Earlier this week, Iowa received word via Instagram, that TOM's No. 5 at 195, Wyoming Seminary's Kolby Franklin (DuBois, Pa), intends to wear the Hawkeye Black and Gold.
"I'm extremely humbled and excited to announce that I will be continuing my academic and athletic careers at The University of Iowa. I want to thank my family, my coaches, and all who have believed in me. I am confident that at Iowa, I will continue to be the best version of myself, and I will be provided with the resources needed to reach my full potential. I'm pumped up to be a Hawkeye!!!🐤🐤🐤 #gohawks," Franklin wrote on Instagram Sunday night.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CVsoP8GrzCN/
What makes the commitment all the more impactful is that Franklin lives less than an hour from State College, Pennsylvania. Similarly, he has spent considerable time training at Penn State and under David Taylor at the M2 Training Center in State College. Given the proximity and familiarity with Cael and company, many expected Franklin to be a Nittany Lion at the next level rather than a rival Hawkeye.
Concerning his credentials, his wrestling resume would have fit in at either Big Ten powerhouse. Franklin recently placed third at Super 32 Challenge. He also finished fourth at Fargo. Plus, before his transfer to Wyoming Seminary, Franklin earned himself a state finals appearance for Saint Joseph's Catholic Academy (PA). While he lost that match in the finals, the Class of 2022 standout got redemption by winning a 16U men's freestyle national title later that summer.
At the next level, Franklin projects as a 197-pounder. He and the Class of 2023's Kueter will be quite the one-two combo of upper weights in the years to come in Iowa City.
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