First-year Abilene High head football coach Mike Fullen asks a lot of his linebackers. That’s particularly true of those two inside guys in his 3-4 defensive scheme.

In addition to being playmakers against both the run and pass, Fullen’s inside backers must be respected leaders and coaches on the field, relaying signals from the sideline and helping get their teammates lined up where they’re supposed to be.

Fortunately, senior D’Anthony Franklin ticks all of those boxes.

A three-year varsity lettermen and two-year starter for the Eagles, the 5-foot-10, 190-pound Franklin has grown into one of the top defensive players in all of the Big Country. And having worked with him now from both a defensive coordinator and head coaching role, Fullen has a strong appreciation for everything the standout brings to his team.