At Cal State Northridge, he was an invaluable member of the Matadors’ defense, starting over 50 games since 2004, being named to the All-Big West Conference team in both 2005 and 2006.

During his college years Franklin spent two years with the San Fernando Valley Quakes of the USL Premier Development League, helping them reach the playoffs for the first time in 2007, although his campaign was cut short when he broke his arm in the playoff semi-final against BYU Cougars.

In late April, Greg Daurio reported coach Gullit saying Franklin had been their best player, saying "I think again he played an excellent game.

Franklin missed the majority of the 2009 MLS season after undergoing surgery to repair a hamstring tear he suffered during a game against Columbus Crew on May 17, 2009.

He was unused in the World Cup qualifier against Guatemala on November 18, 2008, and withdrew from the camp which faced Sweden on January 24, 2009, with a hernia injury.