JONESBORO, Ark. — Last year, the Arkansas State football players only talked about winning a conference title. This year, they put that talk into action.

That was sophomore R.J. Fleming’s explanation for the Red Wolves’ strong season, in which the team went 10-2 overall, 8-0 in Sun Belt play. The season earned Arkansas State a trip to the GoDaddy.com bowl against Northern Illinois (10-3) Jan. 8.

Fleming, a former Trinity Episcopal standout, said he was glad to be a part of such a special season, and a special group of players.

“Our team just rallied around each other, and we found our team chemistry,” Fleming said. “We just kind of came together and found a common goal. We said we wanted to win a championship, and everyone bought in and invested into that.”

That was a far cry from last season, Fleming said.

“I’ve only been here for two years, but last year it seemed like we’d talk about it, but our actions were different,” Fleming said. “This summer, though, people backed up what they were saying and kind of wore their hearts on their sleeves. It was contagious for me.”

The winning attitude drove the players to do things like stay out late after practice, sometimes until 10 p.m., putting extra work in, Fleming said.

Fleming saw action in four games, tallying 13 receptions for 76 yards as a receiver for the Red Wolves. Although Fleming said he would have liked to get more playing time, he was still grateful for the opportunities he received.

“I have to be grateful, because there are 100 other players not even getting those chances,” Fleming said. “I think this season gave me a confidence boost. I know the areas I need to work on, and I’m looking forward to next season.”

But next season will be minus head coach Hugh Freeze, who recently accepted the opportunity to become the next head football coach at Ole Miss.

Fleming said he will miss his coach, but he understands why Freeze made the move.

“As far as my senior teammates, they’re really happy for him,” Fleming said. “For us underclassmen, it’s sort of bittersweet. We didn’t want him to go, but we understand.

“He actually turned down a lot of bigger offers because it wasn’t the right fit. He actually coached at Ole Miss before (under Ed Orgeron), so that’s hard to turn down, especially at this point in his life.”

And Fleming said the Ole Miss players will be getting an excellent coach.

“Ole Miss is getting the whole package,” Fleming said. “He’s a player’s best friend. I actually told him about my cousin who plays for them (receiver Jamez Logan). My last words to him were me telling him about my cousin, and asking (Freeze) to look after him.

“(Freeze) told me he definitely would. I definitely love the opportunity to refer a close friend or relative to the coach that coached me.”

Fleming is also keeping tabs on his younger brother, Trey Fleming, who just finished his first season at Trinity Episcopal, where R.J. went to school. R.J. said he helps the younger Fleming out by giving him advice.

“I have to constantly remind him to be patient and be ready for an opportunity, because you never know when that opportunity’s going to come,” R.J. said.

“Anything can happen. He’s an ankle sprain away from being in the spotlight. I ask him what he’s doing in his off time, because when the opportunity does come, you have to be ready for it.”

R.J. is the son of Eyevette and Frederick Fleming Sr.