Interview: Tough to Find a Better 2020 Slot than Fayetteville’s Connor Flannigan
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
When offensive coordinators started conceiving the idea of a slot receiver to create mismatches across the middle pitting a speedy target who can leave linebackers, safeties, and now nickelbacks in the dust to move the chains downfield, Connor Flannigan is the quintessential embodiment of that role. The 5-9, 166-pound, athlete was phenomenal throughout his junior season coming up with 102 receptions for 1,695 yards with 20 touchdowns scored. Beyond being used in the slot and on the outside, Flannigan was also used out of the backfield rushing for 110 yards on 14 totes with another score going up on the big board. After his breakout season with Fayetteville High School going up against tough 7A Arkansas competition, Flannigan earned first team All-Conference (7A West) and All-State honors. Other honors have started rolling in from the next level in the form of seven offers. In addition to being a true playmaker on the field, Flannigan excels in the classroom with a 4.15 GPA and a 34 scored on the ACT.
In an RNG exclusive interview, I sat down with one of Arkansas’ best 2020 recruits getting the inside story on his game, workouts, and recruiting process.
Interview
Connor, your junior season was an explosive breakout year going over two major milestones in receptions (102) and receiving yards (1,695). What was working for you allowing you to tear apart 7A defenses the way you did in 2018?
“I was a product of a great system. We spread them out, and we had an awesome QB in Darius Bowers. He could put it anywhere on the field, and in small windows. Our receiving corps was great last season. We had Beau Stucky, who was at almost 1,000 yards, Luke Charboneau, and Alex Mills; they helped me get open.”
Your speed is a big part of your game, how fast are you?
“At a both Yale and Rice camps, I ran a 4.48.”
Nice. What type of offense do the Bulldogs run?
“We run a Spread with some RPO (run-pass option).”
How are you utilized within the offense?
“I am all over. I am mainly coming from the slot, but I am moved outside as well. Sometimes I am singled out with trips away so I am one-on-one with a defensive back. I am also in the backfield where I can go one-on-one with a linebacker or safety.”
I mentioned your speed, beyond that, what do you feel are the strengths to your game?
“I have good hands. I can go up and get the balls and I can make tough catches. I can get open, not many defenders can cover me. I use my quickness and size to get open and create windows.”
Which areas of your game have you worked on this spring and summer?
“I have been working on my releases against the press. I have been working on my overall speed and catching the ball with one-cut and getting up the field.”
Did you compete at any camps this summer?
“I went to a Mega Camp in Lindenwood, and a camp at War Memorial Stadium (Little Rock) that UAPB (Arkansas-Pine Bluff) hosted. I also went to camps at Yale, Princeton, and Rice.”
Of the college camps, which was your best camp performance wise?
“I would probably choose the Rice or Princeton camps. I ran the best at Yale, but I did not have a ton of one-on-one reps there. At Princeton, I ran well there and I ran good routes. At Rice, I did well overall there.”
Which schools have offered you so far?
“I have offers from Harding, Ouachita Baptist, Missouri Western State, Air Force, Adams State, Johns Hopkins, Colorado School of Mines. I also have preferred walk-on offers from SMU and Rice that could turn into an offer.”
Which schools are showing interest?
“I am getting a lot of Ivy League; Princeton, Yale, Harvard, Columbia, and Brown. I am also talking to Iowa State.”
Did you visit any schools this offseason?
“Yes, sir. I unofficially visited Iowa State, Dartmouth, Air Force, Brown, Yale and Princeton.”
Do you have any planned visits for this season?
“None set yet. I may take a visit to Johns Hopkins and I will try to go to Air Force again.”
Are you playing any other sports for Fayetteville?
“Yes, sir. I play Lacrosse, which is a club team, and I run track.”
Which events in track?
“The 100 and 4×1.”
What is your PR in the 100?
“My best is an 11.1.”
Going into the classroom, what is your cumulative GPA?
“My cumulative GPA is a 4.15.”
Have you taken the ACT and/or SAT yet?
“Yes. I took the ACT and scored a 34.”
Impressive.
“Thank you.”
Back to football. How are the Bulldogs looking as a team with the season nearing?
“I think we are looking solid. We lost some key seniors, but we are strong everywhere. We are young in spots, but we are meshing together. I think we will be really-really good this season.”
Will you be used in different ways this season to further showcase your talents?
“Coach told me I will line up in the backfield and be used more as a punt returner than last year.”
Last one. What goals have you set for your senior season?
“I have not set many individual, I have accomplished a lot already. Most of my goals are more team driven. I want to go to state. Our senior class has been through a lot. I feel that we have the pieces to go to state. With individual goals, I will try to break some more school records.”
Connor, it was great catching up with you today. I appreciate your time and wish you success this season.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Flannigan family; Connor Flannigan