Cleveland High School senior wide receiver Robert Flowers has been an uncontainable force on Friday nights the past two seasons.
With 64 receptions for 1,433 yards and 22 total touchdowns in the past 16 games, the 6-foot-4, 180-pound Flowers has become a coveted college prospect. He announced his commitment to the Samford Bulldogs on social media Monday night.
First-year Cleveland coach Marty Wheeler called him "a complete player" and praised him as a teammate.
"Robert is not just a deep guy to go up and get balls," Wheeler said. "He can be a possession receiver or any type you need. We are excited he gets to continue his football career at the next level and get a great education."
Flowers has demonstrated great burst, shiftiness and awareness in all areas in which he has been called on this season. He has returned a punt and a kickoff for touchdowns this season along with breaking a game-changing 72-yard touchdown run against Soddy-Daisy.
Staff Photo by Robin Rudd/ After a pass reception, Cleveland's Robert Flowers (2) outruns Bradley Central's Davion Dunn for a touchdown last Friday night.In the season opener against defending state champion Knoxville Central, Flowers returned a kickoff for a 96-yard touchdown, intercepted a pass and had four catches for 111 yards and two scores.
He had a season high in receiving yards against Bradley Central last Friday with 132 yards on six catches, and he stiff-armed a defender away on a trick-pass touchdown and made an impressive sideline toe-touch grab.
"Robert is playing with a lot of confidence," Wheeler said. "He's really become a great leader, which will help him as he goes to the next level. His work ethic is tremendous."
Flowers hauled in 40 catches for 913 yards with 13 total touchdowns as a junior.
Through a 3-3 start for Cleveland in his final go-around, he has 24 catches for 520 yards and nine total touchdowns.
"As we game-plan each week it's important to realize how great of a weapon he is," Wheeler added. "We're going to continue to find ways to get him the ball."
Contact Patrick MacCoon at pmaccoon@timesfreepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @PMacCoon.