By John Werner

Tribune-Herald staff writer

Baylor continued to build its offensive line as Blinn College tackle Marquis Franklin made a verbal commitment after a weekend visit to Waco.

The 6-7, 318-pound Franklin hopes to play immediately for the Bears in the fall after the departures of senior offensive tackles Jason Smith and Dan Gay.

“I really love Baylor’s offense and I’m ready to get into it,” Franklin said. “I’m looking forward to playing with (quarterback) Robert Griffin. I had a good visit over the weekend at Baylor, and I really like their coaches and facilities.”

Franklin played at Blinn for two seasons after four seasons with the Tyler John Tyler High School varsity. The three-star Rivals.com recruit plans to graduate from Blinn in May before reporting for preseason workouts with the Bears in August.

Franklin said he chose Baylor over such schools as Arkansas, Mississippi and Kansas State.

Franklin is Baylor’s third junior college offensive lineman along with three high school offensive linemen in this year’s class. Butte Community College’s Danny Watkins signed with Baylor in December, while Tyler Junior College’s Philip Blake has verbally committed. Baylor also has verbal commitments from Dickinson’s Ivory Wade, South Garland’s Jeramie Roberts and North Crowley’s Cyril Richardson.

jwerner@wacotrib.com

757-5716