Zay Franks
PRIOR TO SOUTHERN: Missed the 2024 season due to injury. 2023 (Redshirt So.): Started the year at wide receiver before being converted into a defensive back during the season…Played in all 12 games and made five starts, all coming at cornerback…Caught one pass for seven yards against Alcorn State (9/2)…Collected 14 tackles (9 solo) with one interception against versus ULM (11/4)…Recorded season-high four tackles at South Alabama (10/17)…Add three stops in two other games. 2022 (Redshirt Fr.): Appeared in 11 contests over the season, hauling in one catch for a 58-yard touchdown against Northwestern State (9/17)...Both were career-firsts...Saw most of his action on special teams. 2021 (Fr.): Played in two games down the stretch in reserve his first season with the Golden Eagles. HIGH SCHOOL: Rated a three-star wide receiver prospect by 247sports...Had 164 receptions and 2,624 receiving yards for the Trojans...Averaged 16 yards per reception and 69.1 yards per game...Connected for 31 receiving touchdowns, while adding a rushing TD...Helped lead Magee High School to a 3A MHSAA State Championship and an undefeated season in 2020.
- TransferredZay Franks (DB) officially transferred from Southern University, Baton Rouge to Southeastern Louisiana University
- EnteredPortal · 1/2/26, 8:00 AMZay Franks (DB) officially entered the transfer portal · from Southern University, Baton Rouge
| YR | SCHOOL | GP | GS | DEF SNAPS | PROD | PBU | PDEF | INT | TACK | SOLO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Southeastern Louisiana University | 10 | -- | -- | High | 1 | 7 | 1 | 23 | 17 |
| 2025 |  Southern University, Baton Rouge | 10 | 10 | -- | Med. | 10 | 10 | 0 | 18 | 12 |
| 2024 |  The University of Southern Mississippi | 1 | 0 | -- | Med. | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 |
| 2023 | The University of Southern Mississippi | 12 | 5 | -- | Med. | 0 | 1 | 1 | 14 | 9 |
| 2022 | The University of Southern Mississippi | 11 | 0 | -- | -- | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2021 | The University of Southern Mississippi | 2 | 0 | -- | -- | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Career | 46 | -- | -- | High | 11 | 18 | 2 | 57 | 39 |
Profile last updated Nov 5, 2026