New England OL attracting attention

Lineman Brandon Flanagan out of Wakefield, Mass. has been hearing from some big-time programs early in the recruiting process. So who are his favorites?

The huge 6-foot-3, 306-pounder was recently contacted through his coach by some major schools including Syracuse, Notre Dame, Maryland, Penn State and Boston College, although Flanagan is still without his first scholarship offer.

"His passion is to play Division I football for a handful of schools that he has shown an interest in and if one those offers he'll probably accept it," said his father Don Flanagan. "I think he'd like to move out of the Boston area as long as it is a strong school with good academics."

So who is at the top of his list?

"He'd probably accept an offer from Notre Dame, Boston College, Wisconsin and Syracuse," he said. "Although I think he's been intrigued with recent interest from Virginia and Duke and I know he likes that area because we've vacationed there. Penn State has also shown interest."

Would he expand his list if more were interested?

"He would definitely expand the list if others show interest."

Flanagan is certainly one of the top players in the region and his father knows why.

"I anticipate he'll be one of the top linemen in the country and one of the stronger ones too," he said. "I didn't know that snapping shotgun was such a skill, but he doesit flawlessly and is a natural at it. He's right on target every play and he loves center. He's also very quick laterally and is either a natural center or guard."

This season Flanagan posted 101 pancakes as he was named first team all-Middlesex League his junior year.

Flanagan has received a lot of of training and expertise from an NFL veteran, former New England Patriot John Hannah, who has been a big influence on his life. The prospect is also planning on meeting up with Hannah to train for upcoming combines this spring and summer.

This spring it looks like Flanagan is planning on attending the NIKE Camp at Penn State.

As for this summer, he's looking at attending summer camps at Boston College, Notre Dame and maybe Wisconsin.