by Shawn Nowlin
Malichi Coleman, a junior, is on the precipice of accomplishing something extraordinary: ending his William Fleming career as one of the greatest football players in school history.
His most recent accomplishment, the Hardee’s Friday Night Blitz Player of the Year, was one that he won easily. Coleman’s 280 total votes comfortably put him in first place. William Byrd’s Israel Hairston and Galax’s Tedruhm Tucker placed second and third, respectively. Since its inception, only the elite have won the prestigious honor.
Patrick Henry High senior Bodie Kahoun, a Notre Dame commit, earned a selection on the Class 5 Football All-State first-team like Coleman too.
While leading Fleming to the Region 5c Finals, Coleman rushed for 16 touchdowns and 1,787 yards on 222 carries. During a Week 8 game against Northside that ended in a 40-7 victory, Coleman’s all-around talents were put on full display – 250 rushing yards with three touchdowns.
Said Colonels football coach Nick Leftwich last November about his star player, “When your best athlete is your hardest worker, it sets the ultimate tone. Because of how hard he works, none of us are surprised at what he accomplishes. Everybody loves him. He represents everything that being a Colonel athlete is all about.”
Those around Coleman on a regular basis say he is just as impressive a young man as he is a football talent. More than just an athlete, Coleman is also an impressive student, boosting a 3.6 grade point average.
Known for volunteering his time to make a difference in the community, when Coleman interacts with people, he often leaves a lasting impression.
Regarded as a nationally ranked prospect, college programs from all over the country would gladly welcome a prospect of Coleman’s caliber.
Even as a grade-school youth, Coleman took the game of football seriously. Being at William Fleming has allowed him to challenge himself against quality competition.
“Everything starts in practice. My teammates work extremely hard Monday through Thursday so when game day arrives, we are mentally, emotionally and physically ready to complete the task at hand,” he said. “I have a tremendous family foundation. My granddad, mom and other family members have all been there since day one. They make sure to hold me accountable.”
Recruiting analysts believe that the 5-foot-10, 185-pound Coleman has the potential to be an impactful NCAA player the second he steps foot on campus. The running back has aspirations of one day playing in the NFL. Longtime William Fleming supporter Jaime Calathes wouldn’t be surprised if that becomes a reality in the next five years.
“I knew that Malichi was a special talent from the first time I saw him compete on the gridiron,” she said. “He can do things that most players his age simply cannot. Like countless other Colonel athletes that came before him, Malichi has a second-to-none work ethic. I am a lifelong Charlotte Panthers fan, so I hope that we draft him when he is eligible.”
Virginia Tech, Wake Forest University and James Madison University are just some of the programs recruiting Coleman the hardest.
