PROCTORVILLE — Old cars never lose their appeal and they just keep running hard. No wonder Quentin Cremeans likes them so much.
“I like old cars. I like going to car shows and stuff like that. I got a 1966 Plymouth Fury. I’ll be in the garage with my dad once in a while just trying to learn,” Cremeans said.
Cremeans learned a lot the past four years playing football for the Fairland Dragons as he kept running hard regardless of which side of the ball he was playing. And his style of play proved very appealing to the University of Pikeville Bears coaching staff as they signed him to a letter-of-intent.
There were several schools who came calling but Cremeans narrowed his choice to Defiance, Rio Grande and Pikeville.
“(Defiance and Rio Grande) were pretty nice, but UPike was definitely the fit,” said Cremeans. “Seeing Nick Sites and Tyler Roach over there at Ironton (sign with UPike) and that made me want to go there more.”
The 6-foot-1, 215-pound senior linebacker was a first team Southeast Ohio All-District selection and was second team All-Ohio. He registered 107 tackles on the season for the Dragons who won the Ohio Valley Conference title.
Although he played inside linebacker and running back for the Dragons, Cremeans said he will be a linebacker only with the Bears.
“I’m not really sure what their plans are, but I’m just going to go in there and work hard,” said Cremeans. “I’m not sure if it’s inside or outside, but I’ll just play wherever they need me.”
Cremeans said going from high school to college will be quite an adjustment but he is ready for the challenge.
“I’m excited for it. It’s going to be a different game,” said Cremeans. “It definitely has more speed so you need to get more adapted to the game. It’s faster paced and I’ll have to get ready for that.”
Cremeans isn’t sure what defensive scheme UPike uses, but he isn’t too concerned.
“I feel I can adjust to it pretty easily. I’m pretty good at that. I think it’s pretty similar to what we do,” he said.
Fairland head coach Mike Jackson doesn’t think Cremeans will have any trouble adjusting and believes he will eventually play for the Bears even if it’s not this upcoming season.
“Quentin is the ultimate football player,” said Jackson. “He does everything, even the small things that you need to do. You don’t have to worry about him going to the weight room. He leads on the field, he leads in practice. He’s the ultimate coach’s dream.
“He’s the kind of player who’s always going to do the right thing, make 10 tackles a game, and he’s going to hit somebody. He does all the things you expect out of a good football player. I couldn’t be more happy for him. They’re getting a good one there at UPike.”
Pikeville assistant coach and former South Point assistant Brandon Haynes echoes Jackson’s sentiments and evaluation of Cremeans.
“He’s amazing. He’s one of those kids who will do anything and everything that you want him to and do it full-speed. He has a high football IQ and we’re definitely blessed to have a kid like him,” said Haynes.
Cremeans has been a running back and linebacker since he began playing football when he was 6-years old. He said he prefers the defensive side.
“I think I’m better at linebacker. Running back is fun, too, because you get to run people over. I think that’s fun. But I’d rather deliver it than receive it,” said Cremeans.
Although Cremeans did run track one season and wrestle for five years before he sustained a shoulder injury, he said there is no debate when it comes to his favorite sport.
“Football is the main focus. It’s just fun. I just like to go out there and play it,” Cremeans said.
Cremeans is considering a business major.
Comments