Tom Flacco could follow in his brother’s footsteps
The six-foot-one-inch, 185-pound quarterback for the Eastern Regional Vikings, Tom Flacco, might just follow in his older brother’s footsteps.
In the first round of the 2008 NFL draft, the Baltimore Ravens selected Joe Flacco as their quarterback. The oldest brother of the Flacco family finished his fifth season winning a Super Bowl, and is the Ravens’ all-time leading passer in yards (13,816), touchdown passes (80), completions (1,190) and attempts (1,958), according to the Baltimore Ravens’ website.
Unlike Joe, an Audubon High School alum, Tom went to Camden Catholic High School until he moved to Voorhees in August 2011. Tom become the starting quarterback for the Vikings his sophomore year, according to Eastern Regional High School Vikings head coach Dan Spittal.
Tom said it was difficult to get used to the size of Eastern High School. Camden Catholic has approximately 850 students, while Eastern has approximately 2,200 students.
“It was pretty much getting to know all the football guys. Camden Catholic was a really small school compared to Eastern. I really like where I am at right now,” Tom said.
Although Tom said it was difficult transitioning from one school to another, he became comfortable on the football field.
Tom’s freshman year at Camden Catholic, he completed 22 passes for 397 yards and no touchdowns. His first year at Eastern, Tom’s sophomore year, he completed 81 passes for 1,251 yards and nine touchdowns. Tom’s season stats were more than double this past season, according to Spittal’s statistics.
Spittal said Tom might have a long way to go before he reaches his brother’s accomplishments, but Tom might be a better quarterback and overall athlete than his brother.
“From what I understand, he is the best athlete in his family. Better than his brothers and his one sister,” Spittal said.
During his high school days, Joe held the southern New Jersey record for most passing yards in one game (471 yards), and he threw for 5,137 yards — the fourth most passing yards in a South Jersey high school starting career, according to the Ravens’ website.
Tom has one more season left in high school. Spittal said last season Tom threw for approximately 3,000 yards and 25 touchdowns.
“He has got what you can’t coach,” he said.
If he passes for more than 1,900 yards next season, Tom will break a South Jersey record.
Spittal said Tom could easily reach that number.
“When the game is on the line, he wants the ball in his hands. He is a superior athlete, a competitor. He really is a throw-back, three-sport athlete,” Spittal said.
Tom also pitches on Eastern’s baseball team and is a guard on the basketball team, Spittal said.
“He is really a five-month-a-year quarterback. He has a very high ceiling left on how much better he can get,” Spittal said, adding most quarterbacks who play and practice 12 months out of the season do not have as much room for improvement.
During basketball season, Tom doesn’t worry about football.
“The duration of the time I am worried about the sport I am playing,” Tom said.
He attends camps over the summer to keep up with his football skills. But when baseball season rolls around he is going to try to keep his football-throwing arm in shape, he said.
Although Tom is a great asset and athlete at Eastern Regional High School, his skills on the football field will improve, Spittal said.
“He has better days ahead of him,” he said.
On the field, Spittal said Tom is more of a drop-back quarterback, but he has the ability to extend plays.
Spittal said Tom once hurdled over a defender, but got a penalty.
“You are not allowed to hurdle over a defender unless they have a hand on the ground,” Spittal said.
“He has outstanding jumping abilities. The kid can really jump,” he said.
According to Spittal, Tom’s actions on and off the field reflect the type of leader he is.
“He leads by his actions and his attitude, a lot like his brother,” he said.
Tom is in his junior year in high school, and college recruiters are showing interest.
“I am looking forward to playing football in college,” Tom said, adding he isn’t really sure where he is going to go.
“There are a bunch that have shown a lot of interest,” said Spittal. Colleges such as Penn State, Ohio State, the University of Kentucky, Rutgers and Stanford are interested in Tom.
“I am interested in going to Duke,” Tom said.
As for following in his brother’s footsteps, Spittal said it’s not just the name that makes Tom a great quarterback.
“The name means something, but also when you see his highlights you know he is something special,” he said.
Tom is considering playing professional football when he graduates from college.
“I am definitely thinking about it. I would love to. I know what it takes. We will see,” he said.
