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Andy Tanner is a wide receiver in his rookie season with the Saints. Tanner played college football at Midwestern State, a Lone Star Conference school with about 6,300 students. Tanner was chosen Lone Star Conference South Division Receiver of the Year as a senior in 2009. He also set Midwestern State single-season records with 75 receptions for 1,186 yards and 12 touchdowns that year and is No. 1 in school history with 20 career touchdown receptions. Tanner signed a three-year free-agent deal with the Saints in May after participating in the team's rookie minicamp. He recently spoke with staff writer Rachel Whittaker.
Who was one player you admired growing up?

"Probably Troy Aikman. Growing up in little league I played quarterback, and back in the day when the Cowboys won all those Super Bowls, I loved Troy Aikman. I watched everything he did."
Do you have any pregame or in-game superstitions?

"I'm not really into supersititions. I just go out and do my thing."
Who is your favorite coach from college or high school?

"I have two. Coach Phil Leone was my receivers coach in high school, and last year my receivers coach in college was great."
Who is your favorite artist?

"I listen to all kinds of music. I don't have any big favorites. Before a game, I'll listen to a little rap or rock to get my blood pumping."
What is your favorite pregame food?

"My favorite would be chicken and pasta because that's all we got in college."
What is your best football memory?

"My senior year of college when we won our first Lone Star Conference championship is definitely one of my favorite memories."
Who is your biggest fan?

"My parents. They never missed a game in college and high school. I'm sure if I can get on the field here, they'll be here rooting me on."
If you weren't playing football, what would you be doing right now?
"I majored in accounting, so I'd probably try to do something in that field. I thought about being a coach, but I don't know if I could see myself coaching because I'd want to be on the field out there playing."
What other position would you want to play if you weren't playing wide receiver?

"I might be a little short for quarterback. I played some at safety in high school, though, so I'd say safety."
What is your favorite sport besides football?

"Basketball. I follow March Madness, and I'm from Dallas, so I like the Mavericks. I wait until the playoffs to watch NBA basketball. I stopped playing basketball in high school, but every chance I get I go to the gym and play with friends."�

www.sportsshooter.com/johnjcoleman

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