Hall of Fame
Elvis Andrea Franks, a native of Doucette, Texas, entered Morgan State University in 1976 from Kirby High School in Woodville, Texas. Although he was brought to Morgan on a track and field athletic scholarship, he quickly found his was onto the football field where he cemented his legacy as one of the all-time great Morgan defensive players.
Mr. Franks wasted no time adding his name to the Morgan Football record books, setting the single season record for tackles (147) during his 1976 freshman season, a record that still stands today. That breakout season was only a preview of what was to come, as Mr. Franks would go on to set the record for most tackles in a career (348), another program record that still stands today. He finished his career in 1979 as a First Team All-MEAC selection at defensive tackle, and as a 1979 Pittsburgh Courier All-American selection.
Mr. Franks continued his football career after Morgan, playing five seasons for the Cleveland Browns after the team drafted him with the 116 th pick in the fifth round of the 1980 National Football League (NFL) draft. He also played with the Los Angeles Raiders and New York Jets before concluding his professional career after seven seasons.
Now enjoying the fruits of his labor, Mr. Franks currently resides in Lufkin, Texas, where he is a personal trainer and owner of Go Hard Fitness Center. He spends his days in conversations with his eight children and five grandchildren who affectionately call him Pop Pop! Elvis Andrea Franks is now wearing the greatest jersey a man can adorn: that of Committed Father, Loving Grandfather, Best Friend and Confidante.
