Payton Fleming of the Kalamazoo College football team was named the SAAC Men's Hornet of the Week on Tuesday (Oct. 25).
The Hornets hosted Alma for their homecoming game this past weekend and fell to the undefeated Scots 45-21. Kalamazoo put together its best game of the 2022 MIAA schedule on the offensive and defensive side of the ball. However, the difference in the game was stalled-out drives on the Hornets' side of the field.
Fleming was a standout for Kalamazoo defensively by doing whatever he could to stop the Alma offense. He tied with Jack Miller for the most tackles on the team at 10. That was the second time Fleming had registered double-digit tackles this season after tying a career-high with 11 against Olivet. Of the 10 tackles, 1.5 were tackles for a loss of seven yards. Fleming also had his first sack of the season for six yards and his first interception against the Scots this year.
On the season, Fleming is second on the team in tackles behind Carson Deines at 48, averaging six per game. He has 33 solo tackles and 15 assists, with 5.5 going for a loss of 28 yards, which is the most on the team. Fleming has also added a sack, interception, and pass breakup to his stat line this year.
Fleming has played 21 games throughout his four-year career, accumulating 109 tackles from a defensive back position. In addition, he has 12.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, five pass breakups, two interceptions, and a forced fumble in his career.
The Hornets will go on the road for the final time this season, facing Hope on Saturday (Oct. 29) in Holland, Mich.
2022-23 Men's Hornets of the Week
Payton Fleming, Football
Zach Butters, Swimming
Ben Pickrel, Swimming
Tyler Omness, Golf
Josh Nichols, Football
Lance Taylor, Football
Bubba Wilson, Football
Ian Burr, Football