Notre Dame Commit James Flanigan Brings Strong All Around Potential
Notre Dame received a big commitment on Saturday from 2025 Green Bay (Wisc.) Notre Dame De La Baie Academy tight end James Flanigan, who is the son of former Irish defensive lineman Jim Flanigan. It was massive for Notre Dame, who had coveted the Wisconsin native for some time.
On the field, Flanigan brings a lot of upside to get excited about. Let’s examine how the newest member of the Irish 2025 class fits.
OUTSTANDING RECEIVING TOOLS
From a body type perspective, Flanigan brings a profile to the table that you love. He looks every bit of the 6-6 he is listed and has outstanding length as well. That body is evident in this play in particular.
Notre Dame Academy runs a wheel route, with Flanigan easily getting past the defense. The throw hands up in the air a little bit, forcing Flanigan to make a catch over his shoulder. He uses his big frame to shield himself and finish for a big score.
For a player who looks like he would be more of a catch point dynamo, some of Flanigan’s best moments are as an after catch player. He has some surprising speed, including the long strides to cover a ton of grass. You can see that ability on this play.
Once Flanigan gets the football in his hands, you can see him turn on the jets. Since he is such a high cut kid, you may not appreciate enough just how fast he is. Then you see him eliminating angles. Flanigan even shows some good balance at the end for good measure. What a play!
That after catch ability and balance is once again on display on an over route as well. He corrals the catch and sees nothing but grass in front of him.
Flanigan explodes to the end zone, finishing through contact for the score. If you look at Flanigan’s overall athletic resume, it’s easy to appreciate just how explosive he is. As he continues to fill out his frame, even more explosiveness should be added to his skill set. The best in that department is still yet to come.
UPSIDE AS A BLOCKER
As a blocker, Flanigan brings a tremendous baseline to the table. Obviously he has the frame and length to get a whole bigger. Despite that needed growth, Flanigan brings some impressive core strength to the table. He routinely rolls opposing defenders on contact, this play included.
You can see Flanigan make an early impact, working the opposing defensive lineman inside. Once he does, he works to the second level and finishes the linebacker on the ground. That type of awareness is pretty rare for a player his age.
Tight ends are going to be asked to down block a ton. When Flanigan is asked to do so, he doesn’t just have good reps, he has dominant ones.
For being a taller player; Flanigan keeps his pads low and fires off of the football. Once he makes solid contact, that raw power is on full display. Flanigan crumbles the defenders and creates an easy rushing lane.
As a younger player, the technical aspects of blocking are still a massive work in progress. Even through that rawness, you can see splashes of really good tools.
On this play, Flanigan bends at the waist, which is never a positive. He is, however, still able to stay engaged with his outstanding length. Flanigan also keeps his feet moving, which is another good sign.
As he gets more comfortable, and continues to grow, he has the upside to be a very good all around tight end.
NEXT STEP
Flanigan is one of the more toolsy tight ends in the 2025 recruiting class nationally. Obviously the legacy label doesn’t hurt but it is the outstanding physical first that get you most excited as a Notre Dame fan.
Once he focuses solely on football, and he develops physically, it’s possible that he could eventually develop into the top tight end in the class. The upside is obvious and the future is very, very bright for the newest member of the Irish class.
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