Nacogdoches County football coach Bobby Reyes marvels at star wideout Karlus Flanagan’s toughness and tenacity.
At just 5-foot-7,165 pounds, Flanagan arguably rates as the Dragons’ most irreplaceable piece in an offense that averages 33 points, 236 passing yards and 404 yards overall.
Flanagan’s range of talents were on full display during a recent home game against Lindale when he outraced his defender on a go-route to haul in a 70-yard pass from quarterback Jake Smith for what proved to be an easy score.
“He does all the little things a coach looks for quite well,” Reyes told Empower Texans. “As receivers go, he’s fast, has great hands, runs precise routes and is not afraid to catch the ball all over the field.”
Flanagan has done just that to the tune of a team-leading 46 catches for over 500 yards and five touchdowns over the Dragons first nine games this season.
“We get him the ball in a lot of ways because we know he can make a play from almost anywhere on the field,” Reyes added.
That’s pretty much how the veteran coach envisioned things would be when he first laid eyes on Flanagan, who also stars as an outfielder on the school’s baseball team.
“I first noticed him in junior high school, then when he got here as a freshman,” Reyes said. “He’s one of our team leaders who also excels in the classroom and comes from a good family. He’s a good young man and really a joy to coach.”
A center fielder and lead-off hitter for the Dragons’ baseball team, Reyes said Flanagan had attracted regular interest from recruiters, including some Division 1 interest.
“He’s a hard worker and a player who’s easy to coach,” Reyes added. “Wherever he ends up, a coach will be happy to have him.”
