Interview: Starting Experience with Katy Propelling 2024 Texas TE/HB Ian Flynt Forward
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Confidence is such a big part of any sport. Having an idea of what you can verses knowing what you can do makes all the difference in the world. After the 2020 season, Class of 2024 tight end/fullback Ian Flynt now knows what he can do on the gridiron, and the skills are only going to get better.
The 6-4, 230-pound, freshman looked anything but that last season taking on Texas 6A defenses. If lining up on the line with a hand in the dirt or out of the backfield as a lead blocker, Flynt brought the fight to the opposition helping move the Mustangs down the field. The upside shown has attracted an impressive crowd of collegiate onlookers from Baylor, Lamar, Texas, Alabama, Louisiana, Dartmouth, Houston, Mercer, UCLA, and Incarnate Word.
College coaches are about to get their first in-person viewing of Flynt with seven camps lined up stretching from Big 12 to SEC squads. Ahead of his camp circuit, Flynt stopped by the RNG Lab for a one-on-one.
Interview
Ian, getting that 6A Texas varsity experience as a freshman, what was that like for you adapting to the speed and strength of the game?
It is still the same game you’ve been playing since five, it just came a bit faster.
How many games did it take to make that adjustment?
In that first game. I was ready first game in. I was popped a couple of times in practice, then I knew what it was going to be like.
How were your abilities as a tight end being utilized within the Mustangs’ offense?
We don’t do the 12- or 13-man. We have a two-back, set. I am an A-back, wing to fullback, and to tight end.
Getting those reps in the trenches on running plays, how did your skill set grow as a blocker?
I had those skills from junior high; I did a lot inline growing up; it carried over. My coaches were impressed that I was able to do it, but I had been doing it since seventh grade.
Lining up at fullback, what all did the coaches have you doing?
Anything from isolations, some chop blocks, being and the lead blocker on outside zone. I ran a few flat routes too.
This upcoming season, what roles are you taking on?
I can promise that I am playing special teams and the same roles as last year. My coaches will rely on me more this season. I am working out at defensive end every few practices.
What have you been working on as a receiving threat this spring and summer?
Mainly running routes with the quarterbacks. We do our position work, and I do hand drills – everything to get my hands ready.
Going into the weight room; what have you been doing to add more power to your abilities?
I usually do the three main lifts to be explosive as possible. My dad taught me in sixth grade, you are an athlete not a power lifter, you need to be explosive not big.
Have you been to any national camps this offseason?
Yes, I went to a Rivals camp in April or May.
Getting to compete against top talent from throughout the state, how did that go?
It was new, but we did the same combine drills that I know. My stats weren’t bad but I need to work on them.
Are you going to any college camps this summer?
Yes, I have plenty planned. On Thursday I am going to Lamar and on Saturday I am going to a Texas camp. After that, I have Texas A&M, Florida, TCU, Houston, and Texas Tech.
Ian, thanks for your time today. Keep us in the loop on your camp performances.
Yes, sir. Thank you.
Photo credit: Flynt family; Ian Flynt