Notre Dame defensive tackle Ja’Moin Franklin has entered the transfer portal. News of the decision came on Thursday evening before Franklin issued a statement on his Twitter page later in evening that read:
“It’s very difficult to be typing this, especially given how much I’ve endured and sacrificed for this season, however after much consideration, talks with my loved ones and prayer, I have decided to step away from Notre Dame Football to work on my mental and physical health.
This has been a very challenging year for all filed with much uncertainty. The trails and tribulations of battling COVID-19, and not recovering to the level I expected to has clearly impacted me in a negative way I have felt that I have lost control of my mental capacity, and I feel that I need to take time to gather and reevaluate myself. The process of rebuilding myself from the ground up is a much needed step in this stage of my life.
I love the game of football and I have no doubt that I will be back and better than I ever was, but for the time being I need to regain control over my life.
I would like to thank my loved ones for all of their support. I have come to realize from all of this that I have an army behind me. I’m also eternally grateful to the Notre Dame Football program for taking a chance on me and allowing me to be a part of such a prestigious university. The experience has been nothing short of special and life altering.
With that being said, I will be entering the transfer portal and looking for a fresh start when I resume my football career. With love, and Go Irish! Ja’Mion Franklin”
All love, Thank you Irish Nation. ❤️☘️ pic.twitter.com/fZF8027d6D
— 💸JShmoney💸 (@Jamion_Franklin) October 30, 2020
First of all, props to Franklin for being as open as he is about his battles not just with the physical side of COVID-19 but the mental side as well. More importantly than anything, it’s good to see him putting a focus on that and we obviously wish him nothing but the best with these battles.
For those that don’t know, Franklin was part of Notre Dame’s 2018 recruiting class and chose the Irish over the likes of Boston College, Georgia Tech, Louisville, Navy, Northwestern, Virginia Tech, Wisconsin and several others.
The 6-1, 310 pound junior is originally from Ridgely, Maryland (North Caroline) played in 11 games during his time at Notre Dame but just one so far in 2020, that coming against South Florida back in September.