SYLACAUGA, Ala. - Sylacauga senior quarterback CJ Franklin officially signed to continue his football career at Clark Atlanta University on Thursday, putting the finishing touch on a standout career with the Aggies.

Franklin spent the last two seasons as Sylacauga's starting quarterback, but his impact on the program started before that. As a sophomore, he was thrown into action after an injury and quickly took over the offense, growing into one of the top playmakers in the area over the next three years.

Sylacauga head coach Chris Smelley has praised Franklin throughout his career for both his athletic ability and leadership.
 

"CJ is a great athlete. He's got a strong arm, and he's tough to bring down when he gets out in space," Smelley said. "He's also a great person, and he will do well at the next level."

Franklin leaves Sylacauga with his name throughout the school record book. He owns the program record for total offense in a single game with 481 yards, along with school records for passing yards in a game with 344 and completions in a game with 21.

Whether it was extending plays with his legs or delivering throws downfield, Franklin became one of the biggest pieces of the Aggies' offense during his time under center.

Now, after officially signing on Thursday, he'll take the next step of his football journey at Clark Atlanta.

For Sylacauga, Franklin's signing is another example of a player developing through the Aggie program and earning the opportunity to continue playing at the college level.