Rico Flores Jr., born on December 30, 2004, is a noted American football athlete recognized for his extraordinary skill as a wide receiver. Currently, he impresses crowds as a representative for the UCLA Bruins, competing in the Big Ten Conference. His journey to his present position involved a tenure with the renowned Notre Dame Fighting Irish, where he was a formidable challenger on the college football scene.

The roots of Flores’ athletic prowess trace back to his time in Folsom High School, located in Folsom, California. He devoted four impactful years to high school football. His dedication not only improved his prowess on the pitch but also rewarded him with the role of the starting wide receiver during the final two years.

As a sophomore, Flores demonstrated admirable skills. His stats included 31 catches that resulted in an impressive delivery of 606 yards and 10 touchdowns. His performance escalated further in his junior year as he covered 1,157 yards on 81 receptions, achieving 11 touchdowns. Finally, as a senior, his 72 receptions led to 1,081 yards with eight touchdowns.

When his high school football career came to an end, Flores had established a significant legacy, totaling 201 receptions, 3,222 yards, and 32 touchdowns. His remarkable efforts in 2023 were rewarded when he made the All-American Bowl roster, establishing himself as an athlete of national importance to be reckoned with.

Flores’ high-ranking status attracted attention from collegiate football and aided him in earning the highly coveted four-star recruit. He pledged his skills to the University of Notre Dame, sealing his commitment to play college football at a prestigious institution. Declining offers from a host of renowned teams including Ohio State, Georgia, Alabama, Texas, LSU, USC, and Oregon among others, Flores confirmed his loyalty to Notre Dame.

On stepping into Notre Dame, Flores made his early debut, impressing crowds during the winter season. His first season in 2023 saw him catching a two-yard pass during a stunning 42–3 win against Navy. He received his first career start against Central Michigan, where he marked another successful performance by catching three passes that led to a 60-yard gain in a majestic 41–17 win.

Flores continued to amaze during the season with his catch against Ohio State leading to his first career touchdown pass in the fourth quarter, giving the Irish a fleeting lead of four points. Albeit, the victory was not sealed as Notre Dame lost 17–14. His performance against Duke and Pittsburgh further solidified his reputation as an exceptional player with career-high performances and notable conversions.

The end of the season saw Flores making 27 catches over 392 yards and scoring one touchdown. However, following the conclusion of Notre Dame’s run, Flores decided to switch gears and entered the NCAA transfer portal on December 1.

Subsequently, on December 15, 2023, Flores publicized his decision to transfer to UCLA. The university had previously pursued him during his high school career and was now fortunate to secure this outstanding player. Thus, from Folsom High School to the Big Ten Conference representing the UCLA Bruins, Flores continues to add chapters of remarkable achievements to his bio.