Pace’s Denzel Franklin has become a much sought-after football recruit among Division I schools.

The 6-foot-1, 185-pound junior running back/safety is showing why colleges like South Carolina, Georgia, Florida and Miami (Fla.) have expressed interest in his services with a number of outstanding performances in recent games.

Franklin came up big with back-to-back 200-yard plus games, rushing for 233 yards on 12 carries and three touchdowns to lead Pace to a 33-14 victory over Strong Rock Christian on Oct. 6 and gaining 280 yards on 23 carries and running for two scores in a 33-14 win over Mount Pisgah Christian on Oct. 13.

He provided a bright spot for the Knights in their 38-14 loss to Landmark Christian last Friday, rushing for 121 yards on only eight carries, including an 82-yard touchdown run, and amassing 21 tackles on defense.

Franklin also led the way both offensively and defensively earlier in the season in Pace’s 24-8 win over Whitefield, rushing for 129 yards on 19 carries and a touchdown, while leading the Knight defense with seven tackles.

It’s been another big season for Franklin, who rushed for 358 yards and four touchdowns in Pace’s win over Pinecrest Academy as a sophomore last year.

In addition to football, Franklin is also a key member of Pace’s boys basketball and track teams.