Oregon showing interest in UK commit Flannigan

When it comes to recruiting we're now entering a hectic, unpredictable time of year.

Ryan Flannigan can attest to that.

The three-star linebacker from Brenham (Texas) Blinn College has been committed to Kentucky since June and he has never sought out the spotlight since. Other schools have shown interest but Flannigan has remained off the radar, content in his commitment to UK.

But a recent development registered on the national recruiting radar and there was no getting around that. Oregon's coaches reached out to Flannigan, telling him they have serious interest.

"They haven't said a lot," Flannigan said. "Just that they like my film and that they want to start recruiting me. They got my transcripts and stuff like that. Other than that it hasn't been too much."

What was Flannigan's reaction to that development? It's tough to imagine a prospect wouldn't at least be a little flattered when a perennial 12-win program comes knocking.

"It was exciting but that's not what I'm looking for," he said. "I'm looking for the best place where I can come in and make an impact and play."

But would Flannigan take an official visit to Oregon if the Ducks extended the invitation? Or if they decided to offer? The 6-foot-1, 220-pound linebacker admitted that could be something to think about.

"Maybe not," he said. "If they offered I would truly consider (visiting). I would talk to my parents but for right now I feel like Kentucky is the best fit for me."

Kentucky isn't taking Flannigan's commitment for granted. Chad Scott was his primary recruiter and has stayed in consistent contact with him. D.J. Eliot and Mark Stoops are talking to him whenever they can as well.

The Wildcats' struggles on the field haven't put a damper on Flannigan's enthusiasm for the program.

"I've watched a couple of times when I've been able to. We had games on some of the days when they had games. When I came down to the Florida game for a visit it was just little plays that made big plays happen. The season's not going well but we all knew it wasn't going to go well this year and until coach (Stoops) got some of his players in. I feel like they're heading in the right direction."

Flannigan obviously speaks with his teammate Shyquawn Pullium regularly and the two are excited to be headed off to Lexington after this semester barring something unforeseen. Flannigan said he also keeps in touch with Thaddeus Snodgrass, Darius West and Drew Barker from time to time.

The junior college prospect tore a ligament in his pectoral muscle and that kept him out of most of Blinn's games. He produced at a high level for the first four contests but took it easy after that injury.