Iorizzo: Miami Dolphins kicker Andrew Franks fulfilled NFL dream by putting school first

Andrew Franks didn't set out to be an NFL place-kicker, even though that's what he becomes Sunday, when he takes the field for the Miami Dolphins in their season opener against the Washington Redskins.

Sports reporter he once made a 72-yard field goal while working out on his own — and what he did during games was just about as impressive.

Among his top feats at RPI: a 54-yard field goal that set a new school record, and a 5-for-5 day — also a new RPI benchmark — in a victory over Alfred in 2013.

Most NFL prospects take few, if any, classes during the spring of their senior years, so they can be free to work out for pro teams.

Franks always considered himself an NFL long shot, so he had a full course load.

During the final chaotic stretch, he signed with the Dolphins on May 2 and then immediately flew to a mini-camp with other rookies.

For Beth and Wayne, it's still a bit surreal to think the boy who started kicking in Pop Warner — and only because their league's version of the two-point conversion was a kick — will be wearing an NFL uniform.