HAYSI, Va. – In college football, Miami of Ohio is considered the “cradle of coaches,” and Penn State is known as “Linebacker U.”
In the Southwest Virginia high school ranks, Haysi is known for producing one productive quarterback after another.
The latest is Chris Fleming, who has earned his place on an impressive list of QBs at the small Dickenson County school.
Haysi, which is also known for its multiple sets and wide-open approach on offense, has had a consistent run of outstanding quarterbacks dating back more than 20 years, from Terry Gulley, Jamie Hackney and Jason Compton, to Robbie and Jake Colley and Lance Compton.
Compton set a Group A single-season record with 33 touchdown passes in 1994, a record now held by Powell Valley’s Brad Robbins (37 in 2004).
“To me it’s a major accomplishment to even be talked about with those guys,” said Fleming, who has been tutored by several of his predecessors. “Robbie and Jake and Lance come around a lot, and they’ve helped me out.”
An excellent, all-around athlete who also is an All-BDD defensive back, Fleming has matched, and, in some cases, surpassed his predecessors in sheer numbers.
Fleming has thrown 56 touchdown passes and just 14 interceptions in two years as a starter. He’s thrown for 3,642 yards in 21 games, while completing nearly 60 percent of his passes (234 of 401). Fleming has also run for 305 yards in 51 attempts. He averaged 7.5 yards last year, carrying 34 times for 255 yards.
Fleming, who also excels in basketball and track, credits Haysi coach James Colley for his development as a quarterback.
“Coach Colley taught me everything about the position, how to make reads, what reads with different plays,” Fleming said. “He’s really helped me learn a lot on the offensive side of the ball.”
There is a mutual admiration between quarterback and coach. Colley has long been respected for developing players at the QB position, and he sees Chris Fleming as one of his best pupils.
“We’re fortunate to have had some guys who can throw the football, and it’s something we really work on,” Colley says. “Like with any of the good quarterbacks we’ve had, it’s been a growing experience for him. You learn so much your [first year] and you have a little more confidence and understand more your second year. Last year, I thought [Chris] did a really good job of reading defenses.
“He really progressed the way all our quarterbacks have. He has good arm strength and good speed. He’s not blazing fast, and he doesn’t have a cannon, but he’s smart and he’s got all the makings of a good quarterback. He’s going to finish as one of the top ever at Haysi High School.”
This year Fleming will have to add the role of elder statesmen on an offensive unit that must replace nine regulars from last season. Colley believes Fleming is ready for that role.
“Chris has a good understanding of the offense,” Colley added. “He’s our leader, there’s no doubt about that.
“He knows the system. He’s been running it for two years, and he can adjust things when people line up wrong.”
Fleming is ready for the increased responsibilty.
“I just have to stay patient and help them grow and learn,” he said. “We have to take our experience and pass it on.”
Passing it on should not be a problem, not at Haysi, where passing has become an art form over the years.
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