Unlike most of the members of Texas A&M’s 2002 football recruiting class, Brandon Flanagan isn’t spending much time these days wondering about what it will be like in Aggieland. After all, Flanagan is already in the midst of experiencing it for himself.

Flanagan graduated from Haughton (La.) High School early, and he is already enrolled at Texas A&M. That gives the young offensive tackle prospect a huge advantage, says Texas A&M offensive line coach J.B. Grimes.

"The mere fact that he is on our campus now, going through offseason weight workouts with Mike Clark and getting ready for spring practice puts him a step ahead," Grimes said. "It’s a big-time advantage, and from what I’ve seen and heard, I think Brandon is making the most of his opportunity.

"Here’s a young man, who if he is redshirted, could spend five years on our campus. And with his size and potential, it makes you excited about his upside potential. And let me tell you, he has plenty of upside potential."

Flanagan, the top-rated offensive tackle coming out of the state of Louisiana, certainly has the potential to be a big tackle. He is already close to being 6-foot-6 and weighs about 275 pounds. But his father was 7-foot-1, and Flanagan already wears a size 20 shoe.

"We know he’s going to add some more weight and beef up in the weight room," Grimes said. "And the big ol’ guy may not be through growing in terms of his height. We’re excited about having him in our program and watching this guy develop."

Flanagan also has exceptional speed for a young man of his size. But he has already realized that his focus now needs to be on getting stronger.

"He came back here not too long ago, and he told us that he was already the third fastest offensive lineman on the A&M roster," said Haughton assistant coach Glenn Maynor. "Of course, he also told us that he was the weakest of the offensive lineman.

"He still throws up 300+ on the bench press, which is strong to most of the world, but he knows he needs to get stronger. I know he will work hard to do that. He’s a good kid who has a strong work ethic. And you know he is a good student since he was able to graduate high school early."

Flanagan, a member of the Baton Rouge Morning Advocate and New Orleans Times-Picayune state top 50 lists, has also been forced to overcome a variety of hardships in his life, Maynor says. He didn’t have much of a family setting for much of his life and lived with a Haughton assistant coach for the last two years.

"He’s overcome a lot, but has always been a very positive kid," Maynor said. "He has been a bit of a nomad in his life, but he’s a really good kid. He’s also dealt with a stuttering problem, and he has overcome whatever adversities life has thrown his way."

Another adjustment Flanagan must make is to become more of a run-blocker on the collegiate level, Maynor says.

"We run a passing offense, and his specialty has been as a pass blocker," Maynor said. "He has a huge wing span, and when he spreads his arms out, it is almost like having two tackles right there. But he’ll have to work on his run blocking, and I know he will work hard to become the best he can be."

Likewise, Grimes says he doesn’t believe Flanagan will have any troubles adjusting to Texas A&M and Division I college football.

"I’m really excited about this young man," Grimes said. "What I’ve seen so far is that he has fit right in and has worked hard. I think he is eventually going to be a very nice fit in our program."

– Rusty Burson