De La Salle High School is known for having one of the winningest high school football programs of all time. Developing a number of professional athletes through the school, the Spartans have had great success with tight ends that have excelled at the next level.
With De La Salle alumni Austin Hooper and Devin Asiasi both experiencing great success beyond high school, sophomore Cooper Flanagan looks to be the next great tight end to come through the esteemed institution.
“Playing at De La Salle is an honor and playing behind a lot of great players is very good for me,” said Flanagan. “I get to learn a ton and it motivates me to be like those players before me.”
Cooper has already impressed, being named the Class of 2023 Offensive MVP of the National Preps Collegiate Showcase at Vacaville Christian in Vacaville last month. To 247Sports.com National Recruiting Editor Brandon Huffman, Flanagan looks to be the next big thing.
"Cooper figures to be the next big time tight end to come to the East Bay and should combine with Brodie Tagaloa to give the Spartans one of the best tight end tandems in the country,” said Huffman. “Flanagan is a physical blocker, who can run, catch and make plays in the open field."
While Cooper's career outlook is very bright, right now he is just focused on his first full season on the Spartans' varsity roster. Unfortunately, this season comes at a time with the most uncertain of circumstances with the looming pandemic. Flanagan is determined to not let things out of his control affect his goals.
“Corona is definitely a setback, but I still have a goal to become a starter for the football season whenever it is,” said Flanagan. “It's great to be named one of the top kids at the showcase, but I know I can still do and be a lot better and want to focus on what's ahead. I’ve been playing football since I was a little kid, and my dream is to keep playing for as long as I can. So for the season I just want to get some games in and get my name out there.”
Flanagan has drawn many eyes, even without having played a full varsity season. Already being vaunted as having the potential to be one of the top tight ends in all of America, the sophomore is just getting started. He recently received his first D1 offer from Cal.
While receiving your first offer from a Power-5 school is an accomplishment in itself, Flanagan doesn’t see himself as a finished product whatsoever; he wants to be the best, and that means to never settle for just good.
“I felt like I did good at the showcase but there is always room to improve, and that's what I plan on doing. I want to be elite, not just good.”
