By: Mike Stacey ⏐ Writer ⏐ Twitter: @MikeStaceyIT
Photo Credit: 247 Sports
I had the opportunity to talk with Notre Dame class of '23 Tight End, Cooper Flanagan out of De La Salle High School in Concord, California. Cooper was rated a 4 star tight end, and number 11 overall at his position in the country according to 247 sports. Cooper is only 17 years old, but already carries himself like an adult, both physically and mentally. He is 6'5, 228 lbs and will be looking to improve his frame as he enters Notre Dame this upcoming year. Cooper has all of the qualities which would lead you to believe he can be the next great tight end out of Notre Dame. Much like his fellow classmates, not only is Cooper extremely talented, but he has a good head on his shoulders. After speaking with him, it is clear that he has the vision and character traits that Marcus Freeman is looking for. He is in fact, a Notre Dame man.
Check out our interview below!
On what the recruiting process was like:
Cooper: "It started late in my Sophomore year. I was talking to my coach about it and told him that Notre Dame was definitely a top, if not the top school for me. I think he put in a word for me and that's when I got in touch with Notre Dame. Ever since then I kind of knew I wanted to go to Notre Dame so it was a done deal when I got the offer. But before Notre Dame was in the picture, Michigan was up there, Washington and obviously Alabama just because it's Alabama, but I kind of always knew Notre Dame was the school for me." (Cooper grew up a Notre Dame fan. His grandparents are big fans and he has a few relatives that went there)
On some of his main factors in picking a school:
Cooper: "Obviously education was a big part of that. I mean if football doesn't work out, even though the NFL is the plan, you still have the Notre Dame education. The way Notre Dame uses it's tight ends, Michael Mayer is a great example of that, the best tight end in college football. Just the history and the people at Notre Dame, the culture there, is a big thing for me. I feel like that is where I fit in coming from a private Catholic high school, I think I will fit in perfect."
To build on what was said above, why he ultimately chose Notre Dame:
Cooper: "Yeah what I already said and the coaches there are awesome. I love coach Parker, I think the other commits are great. The school is beautiful, I mean Notre Dame is Notre Dame, it's the best of both worlds. It's the highest play of football you can get with the education that you also get."
On what his favorite thing about Notre Dame is:
Cooper: "It's kind of two things. I think the fact that it's the best of both worlds. It's the highest play of football you can get with the education you also get. I think that's the number one thing."
On when he knew he was choosing Notre Dame:
Cooper: "The day I got the offer, I didn't really think it was going to happen. It was kind of out of nowhere. After I got it, me and my parents sat down and talked about it. I told them I thought this is the place, I couldn't see how I could not pick them."
On what schools recruited him after his commitment and if he ever had second thoughts:
Cooper: "No. Alabama wanted me to come out and visit. LSU was talking to me for a while, they were the two main schools that were coming at me. Oregon came in late, but I was set on Notre Dame."
On where he sees himself fitting in with the offense:
Cooper: "I think, and this is something that coach Parker tells me, he believes I'm a true Tight End. I can make plays in the run game and pass game so I am just looking to be versatile.
On what his goals are for this upcoming season:
Cooper: "I mean, obviously my goal is to start if not play. I know it's definitely going to be hard, but that's the mindset you need to have going in. I just want to learn and get better. I want to do the best I can to make an opportunity to get out there."
On what his hobbies are outside of football:
Cooper: "I'm kind of a homebody, but I like basketball, playing pick up games. I'm a big golf and poker guy, too."
On who is favorite NFL team is/Favorite Player:
Cooper: "I'm a Ravens fan, but I follow players more than teams. I'm a Mark Andrews fan right now. I like all the tight ends like Kelce and Kittle, but I think Andrews is my favorite right now."
On what NFL player he compares himself to/wants to play like:
Cooper: "I aspire to be like Gronk, he's the most dominant Tight End to ever play."
On his favorite place on campus:
Cooper: "I am going to have to go with the stadium. It's the coolest spot."
Any last word's for the fans?
Cooper: "Go Irish!"
I hope you all enjoyed the interview! If you want to get to know Cooper more give him a follow on Twitter @CooperXFlanagan or on Instagram @cooper_flanagan. And as the man said himself, GO IRISH!
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