No praise, no problem: Cedar Rapids Kennedy’s Colin Flannagan embraces fullback role to help team success

CEDAR RAPIDS — Colin Flannagan’s name isn’t going to litter a box score and his statistics aren’t astounding.

He doesn’t garner a lot of attention, except from his coaches, teammates whose production is boosted by his effort and maybe the opposition trying to limit his impact.

Flannagan is content with his role as the unheralded fullback for Cedar Rapids Kennedy’s offense, leading the way for others to rack up yards and touchdowns.

“At the end of the day, I like winning,” Flannagan said. “As long as someone scores, I don’t care about the name on the back of the jersey. I just care about whether they are wearing green-and-gold. I just like to contribute how I can.

“There are a lot of other guys that don’t get to touch the ball. If there’s any way I can contribute then I’m going to do it.”

Flannagan played a key role in the top-ranked Cougars’ unbeaten regular season. Expect him to make an impact when Kennedy hosts Dubuque Senior in a Class 5A first-round playoff game Friday night at Kingston Stadium.

“It’s been exciting because I’ve never experienced an undefeated season,” Flannagan said. “Our coaches have definitely helped calm us and keep us in line, making sure we’re happy with what we have done but looking forward to our next goal, which is hopefully a state championship.”

The 6-foot, 190-pounder is a rare breed of player. With the switch to glitzier spread offensive schemes, fullbacks have faded. Not every team needs one. The Cougars have the luxury of a selfless player, willing to do the dirty work without the acknowledgement.

“He doesn’t really get to touch the ball,” Kennedy Coach Brian White said. “He’s a glorified offensive lineman. There aren’t too many fullbacks left.

“He’s a true, old-school fullback.”

Flannagan recalled being a running back and linebacker through youth football. As a sophomore, his team needed someone to assume the fullback role. He capitalized on the opportunity.

“I stepped in and filled the spot,” said Flannagan, who also plays on special teams and is a backup linebacker. “It just took off.”

A tough position demands a tough person. Flannagan earned second-team all-Metro and all-Mississippi Valley Conference honors last season. He is also a state qualifier in wrestling, which translates well to the gridiron.

“He’s a good egg,” White said. “He’s a pretty good wrestler. He is a kid that will battle. He’s a tough, hard-nosed kid that understands things like leverage and angles. That makes him pretty good at what he does.”

White praised Flannagan for his work ethic and his shape. Flannagan devotes a lot of time to the weight room, receiving advice from his dad, Cory Flannagan, who was once involved in bodybuilding. His conditioning helps him produce consistently for a game’s duration.

“You have to be able to be repetitive,” Flannagan said. “If you run ISO three times in a row, you have to be able to hit it with the same intensity as the first two times. You just keep the same intensity throughout the entire game. You have to have the stamina to do it.”

Kennedy ranks seventh in 5A with 3,803 all-purpose yards. Jazan Williams leads the team with 893 rushing yards and 10 TDs. Quarterback Carson Blietz has 1,519 passing yards and 17 scores. Flannagan has made an impact, doing his job.

“There are times where he knows exactly why he’s in there — to block,” White said. “It’s to open up holes.

“He’s blocked for some good football players. His heyday is when they do well.”

Flannagan has embraced his role and takes pride in springing teammates for big gains.

“It feels great, because I know I was working my tail off to get them what they needed,” Flannagan said. “Once they get their chance, they’re going to do whatever they can to score a touchdown.”

His mother, Heather Jurgenson, has been an important influence. She instilled an unselfish mentality. He applies it to football and life.

“Since I was young, she made sure that we were looking out for others,” Flannagan said. “Find the joy in what you are doing, even if what you’re doing doesn’t get the attention or all the praise. What you do matters. Do what you can to help others.”

The ball has been placed in his hands a few times. He has 14 touches this season, including 12 carries for 81 yards and a 6-yard TD. He is third on the team in rushing and added two receptions for 31 yards. He jokes with coaches about getting the ball more, but tries to make the most out of each chance.

“Every time I touch the ball, especially in practice, I make sure to make a deal of it,” Flannagan said with a laugh. “I have to make a little bit of noise and bring some attention to it.

“I know if I’m touching that ball I’m going to give it 100 percent because I don’t get to do it that often. I have to make the most of it.”

Dubuque Senior (5-4) comes calling. The Cougars (9-0) managed a 28-21 victory over the Rams in the regular season. This game isn’t a “gimme” and Kennedy is focused on the immediate challenge.

“We’re not looking ahead,” White said. “I bet more than half of our kids don’t even know who the other two teams are in the other half of our pod. They have no clue. It doesn’t matter. Dubuque Senior is the focus, right now.”