Alabama football wants Edge signee to put on weight to fully transition to defensive line

Alabama football envisions Malique Franklin lining up as an interior defensive lineman after signing him as a three-star edge defender.

Franklin was announced at 6-foot-6 and 252 pounds when he signed with the Crimson Tide in December. The Alabama signee provided some details about what the Tide’s plan is for him when he was honored as one of the top high school football players at the Alabama Sports Writers Association Award Banquet on Tuesday.

“I’m probably going to be playing 3-Tech,” Franklin told Touchdown Alabama. “They want me to gain a lot of weight.”

“I’m probably going to be playing 3-Tech. They want me to gain a lot of weight.”

Alabama 2026 signee Malique Franklin @MaliqueNxt on Tide’s plan for him. The Tide announced the Daphne product at 6-foot-6 and 252 pounds on signing day. @TDAlabamaMag pic.twitter.com/hGqzXhhtvb

— Justin Smith (@Jdsmith31Smith) January 21, 2026

A three-tech in Kane Wommack’s defensive scheme has lined up at the defensive tackle position in the past. James Smith started at the position for the Tide in 2025. Smith weighed 297 pounds when played the position.

Franklin primarily played defensive end for Daphne High School during his last high school football season. The Alabama native chose Alabama because of his belief in the Tide’s ability to develop him after he only played one year on the defensive line in high school.

“I know I have to work a lot,” Franklin said. “I know their development will be better than most people.”

Franklin is expected to enroll at the University of Alabama in the summer.

Watch Malique Franklin’s Highlights Below: