Senior kicker Andrew Franks has agreed to a free agent contract with the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League (NFL). He has joined the Dolphins and will participate in the team’s rookie camp as well as other organized team activities this summer.
“I got to work out one-on-one with Miami, with their special teams coordinator, and I thought that workout went really well,” Franks said. “I fit their needs quite well, and they give me a good chance to fight for a job. They kept in good contact throughout this draft process and they made it pretty easy for me.”
One of the most celebrated student-athletes in school history, the Carmel, California, native was a multiple National All-America this year, earning Little AP, American Football Coaches Association (AFCA), and D3football honors this season. Franks was the Liberty League Special Teams Player of the Year for the second straight season and a unanimous All-League First Team selection as a kicker. He was All-Liberty League Second Team as a punter. He was also named to the D3football.com All-East Region First Team for the third consecutive season and was selected to participate in the National Bowl.
We are so proud of Andrew. His work ethic, determination, and skill helped him realize a dream of getting to the NFL. The Dolphins are getting a world-class person and we, obviously, wish him all the best.”—Ralph Isernia
In 11 games this season, Franks made 16 of 25 field goal attempts, including three of at least 50 yards. He set the school record of 54 yards—the longest in NCAA Division III this year—on October 25 and established a new record at Springfield College’s Stagg Field with a 52-yard kick. Franks also made 30 point-after attempts and led the team with 78 points. On 57 kickoffs, he averaged 61.4 yards with 33 touchbacks. He was also Rensselaer’s punter, averaging 38.6 yards per kick (45 att. for 1738 yards) with 12 that landed inside the 20-yard line.
Among the field goal distances Franks made this season were 51, 43, 54, 52, and 39 yards.
Franks, who participated in the National Bowl, established new school records for career field goals (37), career touchbacks (85), and touchbacks in a season (33). He helped the Engineers to a 6-5 overall record and the ECAC North Atlantic Bowl, which they lost in overtime (42-36).
A biomedical engineering major, Franks earned Liberty League All-Academic recognition each of the three years he was eligible.