2025 TE James Flanigan Goes In-Depth On Notre Dame Visit

2025 Notre Dame De La Baie Academy (Wis.) tight end James Flanigan‍ is no stranger to Notre Dame as he’s been to campus a few times as his father, Jim, played on the Fighting Irish defensive line from 1990-93. 

That said, Flanigan and his father made the trip to South Bend over the weekend for a different look at Notre Dame as the 6-foot-5, 220-pounder now holds an offer from his father’s alma mater. 

“I thought it was super cool seeing all the facilities and everything,” Flanigan told ISD. “I had a good tour around campus. I had been down there a couple of times when I was younger, but seeing it again was really cool.” 

The inside look at the program was just what Flanigan wanted to see and taking in Saturday’s practice provided an extra look at the Irish offense. 

“It made me feel at home,” explained Flanigan. “It was just an awesome experience watching practice and meeting all the coaches and seeing how they do things. 

“I was able to see how they use them blocking and pass-catching down the field. It was definitely a competitive practice and I enjoyed watching it.” 

The Wisconsin native saw how Gerad Parker uses the tight end and Flanigan felt it fit his game well as he embraces blocking as much as he likes catching the ball. 

“I could see myself fitting in well,” Flanigan stated. “I met with Coach Parker and I asked what he would have me doing and it was exactly what I like to do. I’d pretty much be catching the ball and blocking. I definitely consider myself an all-around player and that’s what they would have me doing, so it was good to hear that.” 

Parker and the Irish staff also made it very clear Flanigan’s offer came because of the player he’s shown on film and not because of what his father put on film. 

“They told me they know my dad played and a lot of people will say I got an offer because he played,” Flanigan explained. “They said I had to be good enough and I had to earn it and they expect that from me. I want to be my own person and make my own path. It was really encouraging to hear.” 

Irish head coach Marcus Freeman met with Flanigan and his father on the field during practice, which caught the Notre Dame De La Baie Academy star off guard. 

“It kind of surprised me,” Flanigan said. “He’s a really good guy and meeting him was a really cool experience just talking to him face-to-face.” 

Flanigan won’t be doing too much more on the recruiting trail this spring as he doesn’t want to over do it. 

“I don't have anything officially set up yet,” stated Flanigan. “I think I might get to Penn State, but we don’t want to go over the top on this process and really focus on the schools I’m considering.” 

And while Flanigan had a good feel for Notre Dame prior to the visit, the culture Freeman and the staff are building was noticeable. 

“They are really hardworking there,” said Flanigan. “They focus on the culture and I could see that by how they did things in practice and in meetings.” 

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