RESERVE — Coaches, teachers and teammates who know Dontae Fleming say he is an outstanding young man who carries himself well and treats others with respect.

On top of that, he is an exceptional football player.

Fleming, a wide receiver for the East St. John Wildcats, had a room full of supporters Wednesday afternoon as he signed a letter of intent to play football for the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.

Fleming thanked God for instilling talent within him, his family for making sacrifices for him, and his coaches for helping him become the person he is today on and off of the field.

“Dontae Fleming has been a good example for the campus and the entire community,” said Coach Brandon Brown. “He’s done everything the right way, and that’s why he’s in the situation he’s in right now.”

Fleming said he chose UL because the coaching staff makes him feel right at home.

“They call to see how I’m doing and check up on my family,” Fleming said. “Coach Billy Napier has really changed the culture over there. Right now they are 10-3 and going play for a bowl game. I want to be part of a winning program. That’s what made me want to go to Lafayette.”

East St. John has had a couple of tough seasons in recent years, though Fleming was glad to be part of a successful senior season.

“We really shocked everybody, because people didn’t think we could make it past the first round,” Fleming said. “We ended the season with nine wins and three losses. Through the years since I got here, we’ve been 5-5; 5-6. This has been one of the best seasons.”

Football is a sport Fleming has loved since he was just 5 years old. His goals at the collegiate level are to work on speed, gain weight and become more explosive on the field. He plans to study sports management at UL, with a goal to become a recruiter.