Jacob Eason has solidified himself as one of the best.
Eason, who is regarded as one of the top recruits in the nation, was named the Gatorade Player of the Year for the state of Washington on Thursday after an impressive season that saw the Lake Stevens football team reach the 4A state semifinals.
With Eason putting up some impressive numbers along the way.
Eason completed 235 of 338 pass attempts for 3,585 yards and 43 touchdowns during his senior campaign to back his candidacy for the honor.
The Gatorade Player of the Year award is given to the top player in each state and is based on athletic production and impact, as well as high academic achievement and exemplary personal character.
“He’s definitely a well-rounded individual,” said Tom Tri, the Lake Stevens football coach. “He’s a three-sport athlete. He lettered all three years in baseball and basketball his sophomore and junior year. He’s definitely the complete package. He’s not just a quarterback, he’s not just a football player. He’s a student, he’s a great friend and a leader.”
The 6-foot-6 Eason has volunteered locally with NEGU (Never Ever Give Up) – which works in association with the Jessie Rees Foundation to help support children fighting cancer – and serves as a youth football coach.
Eason maintains a 3.83 grade-point average and was planning on graduating from Lake Stevens early to enroll at the University of Georgia. The firing of former Bulldogs head coach Mark Richt on Sunday has placed Eason’s future in a bit of uncertainty.
One thing that is certain is the impact Eason had for the Vikings the past four seasons.
“Eason has the fastest release I have ever seen,” said Snohomish head coach Kai Smalley in the press release announcing the award. “It is actually very deceiving if you aren’t watching him for a long time. He makes such quick and correct reads, then has the ability to get rid of the ball with great mechanics. For being as long as he is, you would think he would have a long release but it happens so quickly, it’s nearly impossible for a high school defensive back to get a break on the ball.”
The award is the latest honor for Eason, who will play in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl in the Alamodome on Saturday, Jan. 9 at 10 a.m. in a game that will be broadcast on NBC. On Wednesday, it was also announced that Eason was one of six finalists for the 2016 U.S. Army Player of the Year Award, which is “given to the nation’s most outstanding senior in high school.”
“It’s a great honor,” Tri said. “A great representation of the success that we’ve had on offense. Obviously, Jake is a big part of that. … I feel like he’s definitely earned it. He’s been a great decision-maker and playmaker for us, not just this year, but (every) year he’s been here. We’re excited for him – and for the recognition. It shows all that hard work pays off.”
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