Julian Fleming
Southern Columbia High School
Impact Statement
“His consistent blocking play-after play and his desire to get out in front of a back who’s breaking a long run stands out.” -Jim Roth, Southern Columbia Head Coach
Biography
Fleming, who also named the Gatorade Pennsylvania Player of the Year as a junior and senior, finished 2019 with 72 catches for 1,572 yards with 23 touchdowns. The No. 4 overall college football recruit in the Class of 2020, heads to Ohio State University as Pennsylvania’s all-time leader in receptions and receiving yards.
Fleming also was a high-level performer in basketball and an excellent track athlete for Southern Columbia. He maintained a B-plus average in the classroom, plus he volunteered his time at a local soup kitchen and teaching youth sports programs.
“Julian is an excellent example what this award stands for,” said Eric Hess, Executive Director of the NHSCA. “He has excelled as much in the classroom as he has on the football field. We congratulate him on an outstanding high school career and wish him success at Ohio State.”
“Julian is one of those once in a lifetime players, who made an impact on both sides of the ball,” said Jeff Fisher, founder of High School Football America and head of the NHSCA Athlete of the Year nominating committee. “While his receiving numbers speak for themselves, his skills at cornerback are equally impressive. He had four interceptions, three of which he returned for touchdowns.”
“No doubt, he’s got a lot of ability, but Julian is very much a team player,” said Fleming’s head coach Jim Roth. “What has impressed me, and college coaches is his effort in blocking. His consistent blocking play-after play and his desire to get out in front of a back who’s breaking a long run stands out.”
Fleming is the third Pennsylvania high school football player to win the award, which has been won by future Heisman Trophy winners Kyler Murray (Allen HS, Texas in 2015), Derrick Henry (Yulee HS, Florida in 2013) and Johnny Manziel (Kerrville Tivy HS, Texas in 2011). The other Pennsylvania winners are Terrelle Pryor of Jeannette High School for the 2007 high school football season and Austin Scott of Parkland High School for the 2002-03 sports season.
Photos
