Friday night saw a thrilling matchup between Illinois and Nebraska, a game won by the Fighting Illini 31-24. While there is (rightly) a lot of focus on the young quarterbacks in the game, the Illinois wide receiver tandem of Pat Bryant and Zakhari Franklin used the national stage to augment their draft stocks.
Bryant caught two touchdowns from junior QB Luke Altmyer, giving him six in Illinois’ first four games. That includes what proved to be the game-winner in overtime. The 6-foot-3, 200-pounder has emerged as the top playmaker for the undefeated Illini, lining up all over the formation and using his great acceleration and high-speed cutting. He even snuck in as a fullback on the last TD against Nebraska.
Big night for #Illinois WR Pat Bryant. Hide him in the backfield here and scores his second TD of the night.
pic.twitter.com/6KiY7nk0kL https://t.co/XgKk7hBT67
— Devin Jackson (@RealD_Jackson) September 21, 2024
Franklin looked very much like the exciting middle-of-field threat he was in his UTSA days. After his injury-impacted transfer year at Ole Miss, Franklin has reunited with his old UTSA offensive coach and thrived. At 6-foot-1, he’s a nice, sure-handed target out of the slot and working between the numbers. He caught five passes for 50 yards, showing elusiveness after the catch and the ability to get quick separation and perfect spacing on underneath routes.
Neither Franklin nor Bryant were viewed as more than marginal prospects before the season. At the minimum, Franklin looks draft-worthy and Franklin is working his way toward a Senior Bowl berth.