Q+A with Bishop Sankey: Some friendly advice for fantasy owners

Former Gonzaga Prep running back Bishop Sankey left his footprints all over school and Greater Spokane League records before going on and setting records at the University of Washington. He declared for the NFL draft with a year of collegiate eligibility remaining, and was selected in the second round of the 2014 draft by the Tennessee Titans. He swung through Spokane this week to give back to the school that he said had given him so much.

Q. What should the Seattle Seahawks have done when they faced second-and-goal late in the Super Bowl?

A. They should have given the ball to (Marshawn) Lynch. I was rooting for the Seahawks because I played with (wide receiver) Jermaine Kearse at Washington.

Q. For those who have fantasy teams, should they draft you?

A. Yes, regardless of what happened last year (he gained 569 yards). I’d draft myself if I had a fantasy team.

Q. Will you crack 1,000 yards this year?

A. I’m not trying to put a number out there. I just want to be productive more than anything and contribute to the team’s success. The yards will take care of themselves.

Q. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?

A. I’ve gotten a lot of great advice from a lot of people. But my dad has always said to stay true to who you are and don’t get distracted. Stay focused and do everything to accomplish your dreams and goals.

Q. Who has had the biggest impact on you outside of your parents?

A. The strength coach at Washington, Keith Belton. He played football with the (Chicago) Bears. He’s the guy in college I spent the most time with. His energy alone inspired me to work hard. He played a big role in my confidence. He had a lot of conviction behind what he would say.

Q. What is the biggest problem facing young people today?

A. We live in a throw-away culture when it comes to relationships, working hard toward a goal or consistency on the job. Society has pushed this instant gratification and throw-away culture on us. If it doesn’t work right away, we throw it away. One of the quotes I’ve always lived by is: “The race doesn’t go to the swiftest or fastest, but to the one who keeps running.” A quote we had in the training room at Washington was “Durability is more important than ability.”

Q. Should athletes be role models?

A. It’s up to the person. To some athletes it means more to than others. We’re in the position we can be positive influences but it’s not for everybody.

Q. Name a habit that you have that would surprise people?

A. I like social media a lot – probably on it more than I should be.

Q. Do you have tattoos?

A. No. I’m not against them, I don’t see a need for one.

Q. If you could spend a day with anyone, alive or dead, who would it be and why?

A. There are two. Martin Luther King and President Barack Obama. They’ve faced a lot of struggles. I’d love to pick their brains and get to know them on a personal level outside of their accomplishments.

Q. With your contract and signing bonus, anybody call you a millionaire?

A. A few friends here and there. And some random guy I met at the gym asked me how it felt to be a millionaire. I think people perceive you differently. It elevates your status and forces you to mature and grow faster than other people your age.