Franklin was a two-time All-American for the Hornets finishing fifth in 440 yard run in 1958 and fourth in 200m hurdles in 1960. He was a Central Intercollegiate Conference champion in the 440 yard run, 220 low hurdles, 440 relay and mile relay. He ran a record time of 48.4 in the 440 as a freshman at CIC Championships. He was the third leg on the 4x400m relay team that set school record of 3:11.23 and stood for 38 years. He was also a member of record setting 440 relay, 880 relay, sprint medley and distance medley relay teams for the Hornets.