By CHUCK PORTER
Jenks’ Jackson Franklin is a rising talent for the Trojan baseball team. Franklin, a member of the Class of 2025, shares catching duties for the Trojans.
Jenks head coach Ryan Hendricks said Franklin brings a quick release and a strong arm to the catcher position and he expects him to gun down a lot of baserunners this season.
“It always feels great to know your coach believes in you to get the job done,” Franklin said. “I try to have a strong presence behind the plate. I’m confident that I can help slow down the opponents’ baserunners.”
Franklin primarily assumes a spot in the Jenks battery opposite pitcher and team captain Logan Tibbett, who often starts behind the plate. “I’m excited to split time with Tibbett, which allows him to focus more time on pitching, which will really help the team,” Franklin said.
The Trojans last won a state title in 2021, and are expected to make another deep run this year. Franklin has helped Jenks off to a 6-0 start in District 6A-3 so far this spring, as well as a couple big wins at the Gulf Coast Classic in Alabama in March.
Despite the big expectations for the Trojans in 2023, Franklin, a righthander, is excited to play in every game his number is called. “I’m a competitor so I want to play them all and win them all,” he said.
Franklin, a sophomore, is working on his consistency at the plate this season. “I want to increase my power while at the same time increasing my batting average, “ he said. In addition to the diamond, Franklin is also a rising star in the Jenks football program, so his training never stops.
“Both sports require different skill sets,” Franklin said. “It’s challenging to do workouts that focus on both sports. But I lift and train year round so I can try and stay in shape for both.”
Franklin hopes his future includes playing college ball, and he’s eyeing Oklahoma State as a potential landing spot in a couple years. “They have a great coaching staff and the facilities are unreal. I’ve been to some camps there and I was really impressed with what they have going on in Stillwater.”
