University of Houston Athletics
From Two Picks to Turning the Tide: My Debut Night at TDECU Stadium
9/4/2023 12:55:00 PM | Football
Defensive back Malik Fleming details his Cougar debut, journey to Houston
By Malik Fleming, Houston Senior Defensive Back
Hey, Cougar Nation! Man, what a night Saturday was. From the time I set foot on TDECU Stadium, I knew it was going to be one of those games—the ones you replay in your head for years to come. And not just because it was my debut for the University of Houston; it felt like all the hours I'd spent in film sessions and on the practice field were leading to this.
Choosing Houston
So let me back up for a sec. Why Houston? For me, it was a no-brainer. As an undersized cornerback, I saw how the program developed guys like Marcus Jones and Damarion Williams, and I wanted to be a part of that narrative. I had offers from other schools, but honestly, they never really stood a chance. Houston was where I knew I'd level up, both as a player and as a person.
The Game-Changing Picks
Now, onto the game. When I snagged that first interception on the slot-fade, I felt like I'd stepped into a movie. #80 wasn't a usual target according to the film, so when the ball came flying my way, you bet I was ready. I'd prepared for this exact play in camp, and although I'd struggled with it back then, giving it up during the game wasn't an option.
The second pick? That's just knowing your enemy. With their top receiver out, my instincts told me to watch the No. 2 guy like a hawk. And when I saw that three-by-one formation, I knew what was coming. Can't let the big moments go to waste, right?
Punt Returner or Corner? Why Not Both?
But if you ask me about my favorite play of the night, I gotta say, it's like picking a favorite kid. Whether I'm making plays on punt returns or at the cornerback position, I'm just doing my job. Each play is a piece of the puzzle, all aimed at helping us win.
Speaking of punt returns, y'all should know I take as much pride in flipping the field as I do in covering wideouts. You heard me. I want to play everything. Put me on the line, and I'll give it my all, no matter the position.
The Crew
Playing against guys like Marcus Jones makes me realize I made the right choice coming here. A couple of years back, Marcus and I were on opposing sides, and let's just say, I had my doubts about him. But when he ran that kickoff back after our little chat, I knew the guy was legit. That's the kind of energy we have on this team; we push each other to be the best.
And yeah, I've had to go up against some tough guys before coming to Houston, like Tank Dell. That man can play, but so can I. And that's what it comes down to: Winning more than you lose.
The Road Ahead
So where does this team go from here? Our defense showed what it's made of Saturday night and we believe we're just scratching the surface. We're here to stack great days on top of each other, and we've only just begun.
Cougar Nation, thanks for riding with me on this incredible journey. This is just Chapter 1. Stick around, and let's make some more history together.
Go Coogs! 🐾
Hey, Cougar Nation! Man, what a night Saturday was. From the time I set foot on TDECU Stadium, I knew it was going to be one of those games—the ones you replay in your head for years to come. And not just because it was my debut for the University of Houston; it felt like all the hours I'd spent in film sessions and on the practice field were leading to this.
Choosing Houston
So let me back up for a sec. Why Houston? For me, it was a no-brainer. As an undersized cornerback, I saw how the program developed guys like Marcus Jones and Damarion Williams, and I wanted to be a part of that narrative. I had offers from other schools, but honestly, they never really stood a chance. Houston was where I knew I'd level up, both as a player and as a person.
The Game-Changing Picks
Now, onto the game. When I snagged that first interception on the slot-fade, I felt like I'd stepped into a movie. #80 wasn't a usual target according to the film, so when the ball came flying my way, you bet I was ready. I'd prepared for this exact play in camp, and although I'd struggled with it back then, giving it up during the game wasn't an option.
What a debut for @THEMalikFleming ❗️#GoCoog | #TEAM pic.twitter.com/8YDu9buBoN
— Houston Football (@UHCougarFB) September 3, 2023
The second pick? That's just knowing your enemy. With their top receiver out, my instincts told me to watch the No. 2 guy like a hawk. And when I saw that three-by-one formation, I knew what was coming. Can't let the big moments go to waste, right?
Punt Returner or Corner? Why Not Both?
But if you ask me about my favorite play of the night, I gotta say, it's like picking a favorite kid. Whether I'm making plays on punt returns or at the cornerback position, I'm just doing my job. Each play is a piece of the puzzle, all aimed at helping us win.
Speaking of punt returns, y'all should know I take as much pride in flipping the field as I do in covering wideouts. You heard me. I want to play everything. Put me on the line, and I'll give it my all, no matter the position.
The Crew
Playing against guys like Marcus Jones makes me realize I made the right choice coming here. A couple of years back, Marcus and I were on opposing sides, and let's just say, I had my doubts about him. But when he ran that kickoff back after our little chat, I knew the guy was legit. That's the kind of energy we have on this team; we push each other to be the best.
And yeah, I've had to go up against some tough guys before coming to Houston, like Tank Dell. That man can play, but so can I. And that's what it comes down to: Winning more than you lose.
The Road Ahead
So where does this team go from here? Our defense showed what it's made of Saturday night and we believe we're just scratching the surface. We're here to stack great days on top of each other, and we've only just begun.
Cougar Nation, thanks for riding with me on this incredible journey. This is just Chapter 1. Stick around, and let's make some more history together.
Go Coogs! 🐾
Players Mentioned
DB
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