SHSU running back Timothy Flanders breaks school record

Outside of being Sam Houston State University's new career rushing record holder, junior running back Timothy Flanders lives a quiet life studying management and pursuing his NFL dreams.

After transferring to SHSU from Kansas State University in 2010, Flanders has found his niche in the Bearkat family by leading their offensive attack. Before each game, Flanders prepares by reading his favorite Bible verse as well as listening to gospel music.

"I always read one of my favorite verses, which is 2 Timothy 1:7 and that always gets me in the zone," Flanders said.

According to the running back, the hardest thing about transitioning from Kansas State to SHSU was leaving all his friends and coming to a small town in Texas.

Born in Midwest Oklahoma, Flanders was raised by a family of athletes. His father played football and his mother played softball and basketball at Northern Oklahoma. Flanders's mother recently received her ring for winning the National Championship game in 1979.

Being the middle child, Timothy is one of three boys that play collegiate football in the Flanders house hold. His older and younger brothers, John and James, play football for the University of Tulsa.

Senior Tulsa defensive back John Flanders supports his younger brother and has high hopes for him.

"I'm real proud of him, he's doing great," Flanders' older brother said. "He just needs to keep on doing what he's doing [and] always have the team's back and to stay true to himself 'cause he's going far."

Outside of the gridiron, Flanders juggles school, football and work and remains stress free.

"My biggest focus is to stay true to myself because I know that everything else will work itself out," Flanders said. "I'm going to keep working hard, being a good student and understand that everything happens for a reason."

With his few moments of free time, he thoroughly enjoys quiet time in his apartment watching Law & Order with his puppy Roxi.

"I love watching Law & Order, that's my show," Flanders said. "I got my baby Rox the night before second semester," Flanders said. "[She's] half lab half pit. I love her."

Although the running back hasn't officially declared a major, he wants to work in the private sector.

"My dream career outside of NFL is to have a job in digital forensics."

The running back's main goal for the season is to return to and win the National Championship final as well as achieving the Walter Payton Award; given to the most outstanding offensive player in Division I football.

His current screen saver on his phone is a photo of North Dakota State's ring from the National Championship game last February.

"It's my motivation. That ring is beautiful,” Flanders said. “I can’t wait to have mine."