IUP alum and former All-American Johnny Franco enters his fifth season as a member of the Crimson Hawks’ coaching staff in 2018. He made the transition in 2017 to coaching the safeties after coaching the cornerbacks his first three seasons. Franco is also the strength and conditioning coach.
Under Franco, Max Redfield was a first team All-PSAC selection at the SS position. Redfield was also a selection for the second team All-Region. Takhi Turner also received special honors in the 2017 season, as he was a second team All-PSAC selecton at FS.
Franco worked with cornerback Jay Watkins, who ended the 2016 season as the PSAC leader and tied for third in Division II with a career-high seven interceptions. Watkins an All-American in 2016 also earned first team All-Super Region One honors and was a second team All-PSAC West selection.
Watkins earned All-Region and All-PSAC honors in 2015 as well.
Franco graduated from IUP in spring 2013, receiving a B.S. in Nutrition with a Pre-Medical concentration.
In his senior campaign in 2012, the All-American safety totaled six interceptions and was third on the team with 58 tackles. Franco was praised with multiple second team All-American post-season awards from the Associated Press, Daktronics, and CoSIDA Academic. Franco served as a team captain on a defense that helped lead the Crimson Hawks all the way to the NCAA regional championship game.
