TROY, N.Y. - Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) senior kickerAndrew Franks has agreed to a free agent contract with the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League (NFL). He is expected to join the Dolphins on Wednesday or Thursday and participate in the team's rookie camp as well as the OTAs (organized team activities) later month and in June.

One of the most celebrated student-athletes in school history, the Carmel, Calif., native was a multiple National All-America this year, earning Little AP, American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) and D3football honors this season. The graduate of Carmel High School was the Liberty League Special Teams Player of the Year for the second straight season and a unamimous 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," said Rensselaer head coach Ralph Isernia. "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."

In 11 games this season, the Carmel, Calif., native 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 yarder. 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 RPI'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 the Carmel, Calif., native made this season were 51. 43, 54, 52 & 39 yards. 

Last year, Franks connected on 9 of 11 field goal attempts, including a school record five in a single game, while leading all Liberty League kickers in scoring during the regular season with 53 points. He was 5-for-7 from 40 yards and beyond while also tying his own school record with a 50-yard field goal. He averaged 63.3 yards per kickoff (46 for 2,910 yards), including 20 touchbacks. Franks averaged 36.1 yards on 57 punts (2,058 yards), including a 62-yard long, with 19 inside the 20-yard line. He was chosen to the All-Liberty League First (kicker) and Second (punter) Teams, along with Special Teams Player of the Year. 

As a sophomore, Franks made 8 of 14 field goals, including a school record 50-yarder against Union College in the Dutchman Shoes Trophy Game. He also made a 43-yard attempt and hit 31 of 34 extra-points, including going 8-for-8 in one contest, to finish with 55 points. On kickoffs, he had 53 attempts for 3225 yards (60.8 avg.) with 23 going for touchbacks. He was an All-Liberty League First Team selection after earning All-League Honorable Mention as a freshman.

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.