Pat Benson
It was just a few days before an early-season test against region foe East Ridge. That’s when news broke that East Hamilton’s star quarterback Haynes Eller could not play due to contact tracing. Coach Grant Reynolds slid junior Jeremiah Flemmons over from Wide Receiver and let him run the offense.
That decision paid off within minutes. On the first drive, Flemmons dropped back, read his options, and decided it would be best to tuck the ball and take it 60 yards to the house. Thanks to Flemmons’ three touchdowns, the Hurricanes improved to 3-0 on the season. Luckily Haynes returned the next week, Flemmons went back to embarrassing defensive secondaries, and East Hamilton finished the season with an 8-4 record.
But these results were far from guaranteed. In February of 2019, Coach Reynolds took over a program that had only won 7 of 21 games in two seasons. The new coach met with students in the auditorium, encouraging anyone interested in football to try out. One of the students in the seats was a freshman named Jeremiah Flemmons.
“I love playing for my coaching staff,” said Flemmons. He continued, “Every single coach has something to do with the way I play the game of football and how I play it.” The feeling is mutual from Coach Reynolds, who told me, “Jeremiah is a loyal, trusted member of our football team. His leadership is valuable to our success. He makes others around him better!”
Now, going into his senior season, Flemmons is 6’3, 190 pounds, and getting serious attention from D-1 programs. So far, nine offers including Eastern Kentucky, Army, Navy, UT Martin, Wofford, Shorter, Austin Peay, Howard, and Mercer.
Sure, 1,300 all-purpose yards, 17 touchdowns, and All-Region honors entice college coaches. But you can’t forget about his 3.4 GPA and interest in Engineering. Flemmons is quick to praise the faculty at East Hamilton. “My favorite subject is Math. I have multiple teachers that I really like Ms. Donohue, Ms. Kuberg, Mr. Webb, and Mr. Cash.”
The world must wait on Flemmons architectural designs as he has big plans for his senior season. “My goals for the 2021 season are to win State and Mr. Football.” Flemmons, referring to his teammates as a brotherhood, continued, “I want my teammates all around me to succeed as well during this season and reach the goals that they want to reach.”
There is no doubt that 2021 will be a pivotal year in Flemmons’ life. In addition to school and football, he will be making visits to various colleges across the country. Fortunately, his two biggest influences will be instrumental in helping guide the young man. “My parents always support me and do everything they can do to make things happen for me.”
East Hamilton kicks off their season on August 20th in Larry Henry Stadium against neighborhood rival Ooltewah. The Owls defense could be forced to seek shelter from the ‘Canes and their prolific offense led by Jeremiah Flemmons.
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(Pat Benson is the author of 'Kobe Bryant's Sneaker History (1996-2020)' which was named a #1 New Release on Amazon. He has covered the NBA for Forbes. Tweet him @Pat_Benson_Jr.)