It’s always fun to root for the local kids to make it in the NFL, and there’s an extra bit of interest when the local prospect has a connection to the local team. According to a source, the Chicago Bears have reached out to Western Michigan running back Jarvion Franklin, who played his high school ball at Tinley Park’s Andrews High School. Franklin will likely be a part of the Bears’ local pro day at Halas Hall before the draft.

Franklin is WMU’s all time leading rusher (4,867), he’s tops in total touchdowns (56) and in rushing touchdowns (52), and he’s second in all-purpose yards (5,537).

The 5’11” Franklin slimmed down for his pro day, cutting eight pounds to 231, and that helped him to a much better forty time (4.45).

Scouts question his explosiveness, but he has good vision and power. Some scouts also say he’s decent in blitz pick up and is serviceable a receiver out of the backfield.

Franklin may sneak into the lower part of the draft, but odds are that he’ll be an undrafted free agent. If he shows well at the Bears local pro day, he could be in the mix for a shot at their 90-man offseason roster.

Our own Jacob Infante gave his mini scouting report on Franklin.