Fleming’s time finally has arrived
As Oliver’s backup, tackle has stayed patient and learned
If the job posting has not gone up yet at the University of Houston, it will in the next few weeks.
Position: Replace one of the best players in college football. Some experience required. Must work weekends and be able to travel. Healthcare provided due to likely bodily injury, specifically to knees.
Aymiel Fleming wants the fulltime job.
In what amounts to on-the-job training, Fleming has started the last three games at defensive tackle while Ed Oliver has been sidelined with a bruised right knee. Coach Major Applewhite said after Tuesday’s practice that Oliver will not play in Thursday’s final home game against Tulane. With the increasing likelihood Oliver may have put on a UH uniform for the last time, Fleming could be in line to see a bulk of the snaps over the final two regular-season games and postseason bowl.
“How I look at it,” Fleming said after a recent practice, “I’m going to do my job, master my current role and get a promotion.”
The waiting game
Fleming knew exactly what he was signing up for as part of the Cougars’ heralded 2016 recruiting class that included Oliver, a fivestar prospect who had offers from every major college program in the nation.
“I’ve been waiting,” said Fleming. “I’m patient.”
But spending three seasons behind a two-time All-American, Outland Trophy winner and projected top-five NFL draft pick can affect the psyche.
“At first, it was a little discouraging my freshman year,” said Fleming, a 6-3, 295-pound junior from La Marque. “I was like, ‘Dang, I’m never going to play.’ ”
But what may have given Fleming pause to consider another college proved to be the motivation to sign with the Cougars. At the time of his commitment, UH also had verbal pledges from Jordan Elliott, a four-star prospect who eventually signed with Texas, and Hasaun Glasgow of Manvel.
“I knew it was going to be like this,” said Fleming, who has 15 tackles, including one for loss, in 10 games this season. “I felt like nobody else is going to want to do it, so I’m going to do it.”
That has meant working as the understudy to Oliver the past three seasons, serving in a backup role behind one of the most disruptive defensive players in the nation. Behind Oliver, Fleming said he could learn from one of the best, continue to develop and pick up useful tips and habits, and then ultimately be ready as the heir apparent when Oliver leaves school for the pros after three seasons.
“If I can do this behind one of the greatest defensive linemen in college football, I can do this anywhere,” Fleming said. “If I can learn from (Oliver) and the coaches, I’m in the best spot.”
The playing time has often been limited with Oliver a mainstay on the defensive line. Before this season, Fleming had played in 19 games exclusively in a backup role. UH uses a rotation of players up front but nothing like the number of snaps for Fleming that has “gone up drastically” since Oliver was injured on a low block in the Oct. 20 game at Navy.
Banner game under his belt
Since arriving on campus, Fleming said he has become “a lot more serious” in terms of his development, watching Oliver’s every move and picking up other work habits from teammates.
“As a two (backup) you look … what is he doing?” Fleming said. “Why is he a one (starter)? How can I get there?”
Applewhite said Fleming did a “phenomenal job” in the Cougars’ victory over South Florida — the first game Oliver missed — and has fought through a sprained ankle the past two games.
“We just need him to play at that (USF) level,” Applewhite said.
As the Cougars prepare for a post-Oliver era that started earlier than expected, Fleming has been given a look in meaningful situations that would not have come until the spring. In addition, the Cougars return junior Blake Young and freshmen Willie Smith III and Tahj Brown, all of whom have seen action at the nose position.
“The mentality is next man up,” defensive line coach A.J. Blum said. “Aymiel knows that. He’s stayed prepared and stayed ready. He’s done well. He’s done what we’ve asked of him.”