Franks Named Honorable Mention All-American

It's been almost two decades since Idaho has had such a dominant cornerback, but University of Idaho junior STANLEY FRANKS is earning national recognition for his efforts in 2006. In summary he led the nation in interceptions this season, etched his name in the Idaho record books, earned 1st Team All-WAC honors, and Thursday was named an Honorable Mention All-American defensive back by SI.com.

Considering Stanley Franks joined the Vandal program last December as a mid-year JC transfer who was expected to make his impact as a wide receiver at Idaho, the spring switch to cornerback appears to be a brilliant move. He immediately moved to the top of the cornerback depth chart during spring drills, and this fall was Idaho's starting cornerback in the season opener against Michigan State.

Franks led the nation with 9 interceptions in 2006.

The junior never looked back.

Against the Spartans he played virtually every defensive down and also had a kickoff return for 41 yards. Against Washington State the following week, while still adjusting to Division 1 speed, he again went wire-to-wire defensively and also recorded five kickoff returns for 99 yards. Then in week three, against Idaho State, he set the stage for his record breaking season by picking off two Bengal passes which he returned for a total of 42 yards. With the adjustment to Division 1 complete, two weeks later he picked a late second quarter Utah State pass near the endzone and returned it 98 yards for a touchdown, setting off a 41-21 Idaho road win over the Aggies.

In total he recorded an NCAA-best 220 yards in interception returns this season, a new Idaho single-season record.

And, as has been mentioned numerous times in the last couple weeks, he tied a 38-year old Idaho single-season record with nine interceptions on the season. It was the most picks by a Vandal in a single season since Charlie Oliver picked six in 1990. Nationally, Franks finished the 2006 season tied with San Jose State defensive back Dwight Lowery as the nation's leaders in interceptions on the season. Franks leads the nation in interception return yards.

After rewriting the Idaho record books and being named a First Team All-WAC selection earlier this week, today Stanley Franks was named to the SI.com All-American Team as an Honorable Mention defensive back. He became the first Vandal to earn All-American honors since Brandon Kania was named a Freshman All-American defensive end in 2001 (The Sporting News).

And more honors could be on the way for Franks.

In total eight WAC athletes were named to the SI.com All-American Team.

Ian Johnson (BSU) - First Team

Ryan Clady (BSU) - Second Team
Samson Satele (Hawaii) - Second Team

Colt Brennan (Hawaii) - Honorable Mention
Davone Bess (Hawaii) - Honorable Mention
Chris Williams (NMSU) - Honorable Mention
Stanley Franks (Idaho) - Honorable Mention
Dwight Lowery (SJSU) - Honorable Mention