SOUTH BEND — Mike Denbrock, veteran offensive coordinator and tight ends coach for Notre Dame football, challenged that position group after a catch-less spring game back in April.
“I want to see more production out of that group, in the passing game in particular,” Denbrock said. “I’m more than thrilled where we are in the run game. … We can line up physically with anybody.”
With Eli Raridon moving on to the New England Patriots as a third-round pick, Notre Dame’s streak of primary tight ends to eventually be drafted into the NFL has reached 13. That remarkable run started with Anthony Fasano more than two decades ago.
Next up for Tight End U is fourth-year man Cooper Flanagan, finally healthy after a torn Achilles suffered in the Sugar Bowl win over Georgia nearly 19 months ago. Sophomore James Flanigan offers a nearly identical frame and the sort of physicality his father (Jim) displayed for the Irish and in the NFL.
Grandpa Jim Flanigan was a reserve linebacker for Vince Lombardi’s Green Bay Packers in the late 1960s.
Arkansas transfer Ty Washington, whose touchdown grab against Navy was the only end zone visit by a Notre Dame tight end last season, is back for his final year.
Third-year man Jack Larsen and midyear enrollee Preston Fryzel offer depth, but it’s June arrival Ian Premer who could disrupt the depth chart in fall camp.
The highly regarded Kansan piled up 79 receptions for 1,275 combined yards and 22 touchdowns over his final two prep seasons at Great Bend High School. The three-sport star also rushed for a combined 880 yards and 16 scores while moving around to a variety of spots, including running back, Wildcat quarterback, safety and punt returner.
“He looks ready right now,” Irish coach Marcus Freeman told reporters on July 21. “I haven’t seen him with pads on … but he’s smart.”
Mike Berardino covers Notre Dame football for the South Bend Tribune and NDInsider.com. Follow him on social media @MikeBerardino.
Notre Dame tight end projected depth chart
87 | TE | Cooper Flanagan | 6-6, 250 | 4Y
88 | TE | James Flanigan | 6-6, 251 | 2Y
7 | TE | Ty Washington | 6-4, 253 | 5Y
24 | TE | Ian Premer | 6-6, 240 | 1Y
85 | TE | Jack Larsen | 6-3, 248 | 3Y
84 | TE | Preston Fryzel | 6-4, 225 | 1Y
Bold denotes projected starter
This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: Breaking down Notre Dame football tight ends ahead of 2026
Reporting by Mike Berardino, South Bend Tribune / South Bend Tribune
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Mike Berardino, South Bend Tribune | USA TODAY Network
