Mojave’s Flanagan picks Idaho State football

By Ray Brewer (contact)

Monday, Jan. 19, 2015 | 9:50 p.m.

Mojave High running back Ty Flanagan, the Division I-A Sunset League’s Most Valuable Player in 2014, verbally committed today with Idaho State.

Flanagan, who rushed for more than 1,200 yards and 16 touchdowns last season, picked Idaho State after a weekend visit. He also had a San Diego State offer, but said they were put off because he didn't accept their offer during the offseason.

Waiting to commit turned out to be the best decision. He felt at home at Idaho State and with its coaching staff.

"That was the only school who talked to me about getting my degree," Flanagan said. "They want me to be a better football player and person."

A three-year varsity starter, Flanagan rushed for more than 1,000 yards and had 15 touchdowns as a junior. He joins Moapa Valley High quarterback Zach Hymas (Weber State) and Faith Lutheran lineman John Molchon (Boise State) as players from the Division I-A to receive scholarships.

Idaho State offered Flanagan in September after he rushed for more than 300 yards and five touchdowns during a showcase at the Pocatello, Idaho, school to open the season.

"I was talking to the coaches about that and how I rushed for five touchdowns on their field," he said. "I feel great coming back to the school. I'm already comfortable on that field."

Flanagan has been the best player on the field since his days of youth football. That might not be the case at Idaho State where he'll have to compete for carries.

"They have great backs ahead of me who are going to be seniors," he said. "I need to work hard in the offseason and try to win a spot. It will be a new experience going from high school to college, but I'm going there fully expecting to play."

Next fall will be the first time Flanagan has played for a coach other than Mojave's Joe Delgado. Before Delgado got the Mojave job, he coached Flanagan's youth team in North Las Vegas.

"Never once did he give up on me since Little League football," Flanagan said. "He gave me the knowledge and the great coaching I will use at the next level."

In other recruiting news, Bishop Gorman quarterback Danny Hong last week committed to Columbia. Hong was primarily Gorman’s backup in 2014, completing 46 of 58 passes for 688 yards and eight touchdowns. He will join former Gorman defensive back Dylan Weldon at the Ivy League school.

Ray Brewer can be reached at 702-990-2662 or [email protected]. Follow Ray on Twitter at twitter.com/raybrewer21