Flavin sets Cal official visit

Pat Flavin has already taken an unofficial visit to Cal over the summer and the Lisle (Ill.) Benet Academy offensive tackle has scheduled an official trip for the weekend of Oct. 23 when the Golden Bears host Arizona State.

The 6-foot-7, 260-pound three-star prospect might not be close to a decision yet but it will be important for Flavin to get back to Berkeley especially when students are on campus and so he can experience the game-day atmosphere.

"I'm really excited for it," Flavin said. "I really enjoyed it the last time I was out there. It was in August so I'm looking forward to seeing what it's like when students are there and on game day especially.

"I feel like I'll get the full feeling of what it's like. I hit a lot of points the last time I was there and got a pretty good idea of what it's like. Definitely being there when school is in session and on game day will cap it off so that's important. I've liked Cal and I'm sure it will be another great visit."

Flavin could make another trip to the West Coast but probably not until after the season if he decides to visit Oregon, which has talked with the Illinois standout since the spring but has recently increased its interest.

The Ducks are definitely under strong consideration by Flavin, rated as the No. 32 offensive tackle nationally and No. 11 in the Illinois state rankings by Rivals.com.

"I talked to them a lot over the summer and they offered me back in the spring and I talked to them then," Flavin said. "Talking to coach (Steve) Greatwood, I really like him, he's one of my favorite coaches especially since they're doing so well this year it's hard not to talk to them.

"I've never been out there, I don't really know what it's like, I just know they've been tearing it up this year and I've heard a lot of great things about the school and got some great material on the football program in general so I think that's one visit I really want to take. I've been out to everywhere pretty much except Oregon so that's one place I'd like to see to get a better feel for."

One official visit is already in the books since Flavin visited Illinois earlier this month when it hosted Ohio State. Boston College is also one of Flavin's top schools and an official visit to Chestnut Hill could happen after the season.

Notre Dame is one of his favorites as well but an offer isn't on the table yet so Flavin said it's still difficult to consider the Irish at this point. UCLA has also been in the picture for a while and Flavin has visited with the Bruins.

Arizona, Baylor, Cincinnari, Duke, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisville, NC State, Oregon State, Purdue, Vanderbilt, Washington, Indiana and others have offered but are considered long shots in Flavin's recruitment.