Editor’s note: This is the first in a series of eight stories profiling the Idaho State football coaches.

    Idaho State cornerbacks coach Stanley Franks stood at the pinnacle of his playing career when it all came crashing down in a sharp, painful instant.

    Franks was a second-year cornerback for the B.C. Lions in the CFL, having just signed a new multi-year contract, the first of his career after dabbling in the NFL with the San Diego Chargers and the Spokane Shock of the Arena Football League.

    In his rookie year playing for the Lions, Franks played in 18 games, racking up 70 tackles, three interceptions and three forced fumbles.

    He was at the peak of his powers.

    And then in the fourth quarter of the Lions’ second game of the season, a Calgary receiver stepped on Franks’ foot, causing it to lock into the ground. Franks’ knee folded backwards and dislocated.

    The way it snapped, an artery was no longer getting circulation. Franks had to have emergency surgery, but before he could go under the knife Franks signed a waiver saying he understood that he could wake up without his entire leg.

    “That was when football really took a back seat,” Franks said. “… That was pretty scary having to sign that waiver. You think you’re invincible as a player, that nothing is going to happen to you — nothing seriously. Or you can always bounce back from it. But obviously it was a serious injury. You never imagine yourself in that situation until it happens. It’s a rude awakening.”

    B.C.’s coach Wally Buono called Franks’ injury “very ugly” and “sickening.” Franks did not lose his leg, but it was the end of his career as a football player.

    “The B.C. Lions, they’re a quality organization up there in the CFL,” Franks said. “I felt at home and thought I was set — finish out my contract there and then maybe give the NFL another shot. But God has other plans for you.”

    Franks grew up in Long Beach, Calif., and transferred to Idaho after playing for Long Beach City College out of high school.

    In junior college, Franks was an All-American wide receiver who hauled in 62 passes for 778 yards and eight touchdowns as a sophomore. But he went to Idaho to play cornerback. The Vandal coaching staff thought the move complemented his aggressive personality on the field.

    And at 5-9, Franks’ size was a better fit for the defensive backfield.

    It turned out as a great decision. In Franks’ junior season, he led the nation in interceptions per game, finishing with nine in 12 games that year.

    Franks’ 10 career interceptions at Idaho is the ninth most in the program’s history.

    After his college career, Franks spent time with the Chargers and the Shock. After he was hurt in the CFL, Franks went back to the Shock to coach the defensive backs. It was the start of his second career: coaching.

    Just as Franks was beginning his second year in Spokane, Idaho State head coach Mike Kramer called about the possibility of coaching the Bengals. At first, Franks resisted.

    “I was really comfortable with the Spokane Shock,” he said. “… It’s a dominant organization. It’s the only team in Spokane. It’s like their NFL team. I knew my surroundings.”

    While in Spokane, Franks had also spent some time coaching local high school players, including current ISU defensive back Cody Sorensen.

    Cody’s dad, Paul, encouraged Franks to consider Idaho State, and it was Paul who recommended Franks to Kramer.

    “Everyone was telling me you’d be crazy to turn this opportunity down,” Franks said. “That’s pretty much when I decided to take it.”

    Franks joined the program along with defensive backs coach Steve Fifita and co-defensive coordinator Spencer Toone in 2013.

    His big priority is making sure his cornerbacks play with the same tenacity and energy he brought to the field.

    “I’m not a bigger guy, so I always had that little chip on my shoulder,” Franks said. “... You’ve got to have some type of attitude and some type of edge, and you’ve got to be willing to do it.”