Triton Central standout athlete believes Franklin College best fit to continue football, track career

Franklin College recruited Brayden Wilkins as a standout wide receiver. What Wilkins did during his final track and field season at Triton Central could make him a two-sport athlete at the collegiate level next season. 

Wilkins made his commitment to Franklin official in March after fielding offers from several colleges and universities.

“It was the hardest decision,” admitted Wilkins. “It started in November all the way until I made my decision. I had a lot of different kinds of schools – I had a lot of academic schools and I had a lot of good football schools.”

Wilkins weighed those offers, including many from state schools in Indiana, before locking in on the school closest to home.

“Franklin really stuck out to me because I went and talked to every coach and I loved every coach I talked to,” he said. “They have a really good academic standing. I felt the most at home there. They really made me feel like I was at home.”

The Class 2A All-State football player had a terrific senior season for Triton Central, who finished 11-1 and won its fifth-straight sectional championship.

Offensively, Wilkins led the Tigers with 62 receptions for 1,083 yards and 11 touchdowns – six receptions short of tying Dakota Nelson’s program record for a season and 39 yards short of Brad Schultz’s single-season record 1,122 yards. Wilkins also rushed for 304 yards – third most on the team.

“I am going to play offense and play in the slot (wide receiver position) probably,” said Wilkins. “They want me to be their sweep guy like Triton Central used me here.”

Wilkins also is an accomplished sprinter for Triton Central’s track and field program. This season, he broke the school record in the 100 meters and 200 meters at the Greenfield-Central Sectional and earned state finals berths in both events at the Greenfield-Central Regional.

At the IHSAA state championship meet on June 1 in Bloomington, Wilkins placed 10th in the 100 meters and 13th in the 200. That was more than enough for the Franklin College track and field coaching staff to show interest in making Wilkins a two-sport athlete when he arrives on campus.

“Their coaches talk to me a lot. I told them I would try it my freshman year,” said Wilkins with a smile.

Wilkins plans to major in Finance.

“I am going to start internships my freshman year. I want to get into a big business and manage their finances,” he said. “It’s very interesting to me and I like math.”

Franklin College football struggled to a 4-6 record last season. Wilkins believes he will have the opportunity to get on the field quickly and make an impact.

“Obviously, nothing will be handed to me,” he said. “They told me I have a pretty good shot at starting in the slot.”

Franklin College did not have a 1,000-yard receiver in 2023.

Once Wilkins reached his decision, it was time for signing day – and the celebration of knowing his future was laid out.

“I had a lot of support. There were a lot of people that came and watched. Everybody was pretty excited,” he said. “I was so relieved when I made my decision. I still feel good about it, so that’s good.”

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