COOPER FLANAGAN
De La Salle High School; Concord, Calif.Measurements: 6-foot-6, 240 pounds
Accolades: The consensus four-star recruit is the No. 15 tight end in the class of 2023, per rivals.com, though Notre Dame’s evaluation of tight ends should be granted more credibility than any recruiting rankings.
For that matter, the Irish focused on Bay Area sources to confirm their evaluation.
“Cooper Flanagan is the best player in the Bay Area,” offensive coordinator Tommy Rees said Wednesday. “That was the consensus from the people we know and trust out there. This isn’t a hybrid receiver. Exactly what he does translates to what he’ll be asked to do here at Notre Dame.”
Other notable offers: Committed to the Irish for 15 months, Flagan was not swayed by offers from Alabama, LSU or Michigan, not to mention closer offers from Cal, Utah and Oregon.
Projected position: Tight end, though perhaps initially as an H-back, primarily a blocking role. That will fit with much of what Flanagan excelled at in high school.
Quick take: Flanagan’s height will eventually make him an enticing passing target, but for now, his strength will be run blocking.
𝐈𝐭'𝐬 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐝𝐢𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭@CooperXFlanagan is coming home to TEU.#ThinkBig x #GoIrish pic.twitter.com/kOZp55zcHa
— Notre Dame Football (@NDFootball) December 21, 2022
Short-term roster outlook: While Notre Dame needs to replace the most prolific tight end in program history, it has a couple options to do so, most notably sophomore Mitchell Evans and freshman Holden Staes.
Long-term depth chart impact: Cane Berrong’s outgoing transfer will open up more possibilities for Flanagan down the line, as will being in the rare Irish recruiting class with only one tight end, something of a shock now that it is realized.
SIGNING DAY COVERAGE
Consensus four-star QB Kenny Minchey, former Pittsburgh commit
Consensus four-star running back Jeremiyah Love, No. 4 RB in the country
Five offensive lineman signees continue Irish trend up front
Four receivers fill greatest Irish need
Irish secondary boosted by four signees, speed included, despite Signing Day disappointment
Three linebackers continue Marcus Freeman’s defensive emphasis, led by Drayk Bowen
Four defensive linemen, led by consensus four-star Brenan Vernon
Consensus four-star tight end Cooper Flanagan
Brandyn Hillman, athlete who may end up on defense