New Orleans Saints Forums - blackandgold.com - Stealthman Tim Flanders: All Time Leading Rusher (Southland Conference)

In an exclusive interview with BlackandGold.com, Sam Houston State football coach Mike Collins tells the WhoDat Nation about the excellence of Bearkats' running back Tim Flanders.

B&G.com: Coach Collins, we appreciate your taking the time to speak with us during this very busy recruiting season.

Coach Collins: Not a problem; glad to talk with you.

B&G.com: Coach, do you have any direct or distant ties to the Saints or anyone on the staff?

Coach Collins: As a matter of fact, I do. Coach Bill Johnson and I are good friends. He’s from Monroe, LA. I went to Ruston, and he went to Neville. We have remained in contact over the years.

B&G.com: Why do you believe the Saints sought to get Tim Flanders?

Coach Collins: Tim Flanders now owns the all-time rushing record for Sam Houston State AND Southland Conference. “In his four seasons with the Bearkats, Flanders rushed for 5,664 yards and 66 touchdowns on 999 carries (5.7 yards per carry). Flanders had a career-high 414 receiving yards on 34 catches in 2011, when the Kats made the first of back-to-back appearances in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Game.”

Flanders Signs As Free Agent With the Saints - Sam Houston State Bearkats Athletics

B&G.com: What qualities about Time work to his advantage in making the Saints’ final 53?

Coach Collins: To me, first and foremost, he’s a great person. And when you put on top of that the fact that he’s a great athlete, you have a very good combination. As a runner, he has great elusive ability and (stop-on-a-dime) change of direction. He’s a powerful runner that can run OVER you as well as around you. I believe Tim may be one of the steals of the draft because he didn’t have as productive a Senior year as he would have liked. He had a nagging foot injury that limited his ability to plant and cut; his numbers suffered a bit because of that.

B&G.com: What was the most memorable performance you’ve seen from Tim Flanders?

Coach Collins: Two games come to mind. Back in 2012, he had an outstanding game vs. McNeese State. He had great moves, and rushed for over 200 yds. But an even better performance was last season vs. Eastern Washington, in which he rushed for nearly 300 yds.

Timothy Flanders 280 yard day vs EWU - YouTube

B&G.com: Is Tim likely to get involved in community outreach? If so, what?

Coach Collins: Tim Flanders has shown a willingness to get involved whenever the call for help in the community has gone out. He will certainly join in a variety of efforts in the New Orleans area. Tim will give you the shirt off his back.

B&G.com: What one to two things do you believe separates Tim from others whose performance tails off after a while?

Coach Collins: Tim is durable as a running back. Because of his elusiveness, he doesn’t get hit directly very often. His approach to the game is hard work and attention to detail.

B&G.com: What type of player is Tim on the sidelines, in the locker room, and in the game?

Coach Collins: He is an outstanding teammate, and encourages others. He is not negative (even when someone has made a bad play). He is upbeat on and off the field. I guess you can call him “Positive Pete.”

B&G.com: Did Tim have a parent, sibling or adult who served as a special mentor in his life?

Coach Collins: He had a special rapport with our college president (Ms. Dana Gibson). She has been an encouraging and motivating person that has influenced him positively in many ways.

B&G.com: Where do you expect to see Tim Flanders this season (on the Saints)?

Coach Collins: He will give it 100% in the upcoming months. He is also willing and able to contribute on special teams. I believe he’ll wind up on the Saints’ final 53.

B&G.com: Coach Collins, on behalf of the WhoDat Nation and Saints fans everywhere, thank you for your time and input on Tim Flanders. Here’s to the Bearkats having a great season in 2014!

Coach Collins: You’re welcome; all the best to the Saints this season.