Name an award and chances are former Lake Stevens High School quarterback Jacob Eason has won it.
After his stellar performance on the football field last fall, he was named the Gatorade National Player of the Year, the U.S. Army Player of the Year, and USA Today’s Offensive Player of the Year.
And now he is The Herald’s 2016 Boys High School Athlete of the Year.
Arguably the most decorated football player ever to come out of Snohomish County, Eason helped the Vikings reach the 2015 Class 4A state semifinals at the Tacoma Dome. He then graduated early in order to enroll at the University of Georgia in January in time to take part in spring practice.
Eason spoke to The Herald this week by phone from Athens, Georgia.
Now that it’s all over, what was the top moment of your high school career?
“I think my favorite memory was the game against Graham-Kapowsin (in the 4A state quarterfinals). We had it in our mind the whole season that we wanted to go to the Tacoma Dome. After we beat Graham-Kapowsin in the afternoon game, everyone was jumping around the sideline. That was one of our goals since freshman year. We were all excited and I was giving my dad a hug and we were going to the T-Dome.”
Did you have any free time? Like, at all?
“I always thought, when I was in high school, it’s like, ‘I never have time to do all this stuff and hang out with my friends.’ Then I think of what I’d be doing if I wasn’t playing sports. Being an athlete is one of those things where you have to accept that you’re always going to be doing something. As a college student, now I’m so busy and I’m thinking about it, there is no time to do anything. In high school, I guess you do have some time.”
Does that make it feel like it flew by pretty fast?
“While you’re in it, you don’t realize how fast it’s going until it’s gone. I know everybody says that but it’s true. I remember two-a-days before this year — it felt long while you’re doing it, practicing Monday through Thursday then games on Friday. … My first varsity game against Glacier Peak at Snohomish High School feels like it wasn’t that long ago. It just went by in a flash.”
Do you remember anything from your first day — or first year — of high school?
“I remember a lot of things from my first game. I remember I got brought up from Cavelero (Mid High) and I remember my first touchdown to Tanner Krenz. That was pretty cool. (Snohomish High School) was my dad’s old stomping grounds. That was one of those things I’ll never forget. That was a cool moment for me.”
Who was particularly helpful to you the past four years?
“My family is everything. They’re the ones who were always there for me. My mom, my dad, my brother, my sister. They supported me whatever I did and were there to cheer me on. My coaches too. … There’s a lot of people to thank for all that happened.”
What does — or did — it feel like stepping out onto the football field at Lake Stevens High School on a Friday night?
“Lake Stevens is a great place. It was an awesome high school to play at. Those Friday night lights — you never forget that; being out there with your buddies and playing football. It’s a memory that’ll last forever. If I could have chose, I wouldn’t have wanted to be anywhere else. It’s the best place to play high school football at.”
Do you remember anything particularly funny or weird ever happening during a football game?
“My sophomore year, I think, we were getting ready to go on the field and I realized I didn’t have my mouth guard before a game against Edmonds-Woodway. (Lake Stevens head coach Tom) Tri took some water in his coaches’ office and put one in a bowl. Apparently it was his dog’s bowl. After the game — after I had it in my mouth — he said that was his dog’s bowl.”
Your high school experience was obviously a little different than most with your recruitment and what we called #EasonWatch. How crazy was that and how much did it alter your high school experience?
“After my sophomore year I realized stuff was going to change after that first (scholarship) offer. I didn’t realize what was going to happen my junior and senior year. Looking back, I wouldn’t have wanted to do it another way. I’m in a great spot and blessed to be in this spot. And balance that with great friends and a great high school experience.”
Since you graduated from Lake Stevens early (in December), what have you missed most about high school?
“I would say I miss just hanging out with my buddies and stuff. I guess, at the school, the biggest thing is the time — the free time I had that I didn’t realize I had in high school. College is fun and I’m excited for it, but what I miss most is going out and playing in front of the home crowd and being with my friends.”
What advice would you give a young student-athlete who looks up to you and wants to follow in your footsteps?
“Just keep working. Never stop. Even if someone says you can’t do something just keep going. Do the little things and if that’s God’s plan for you, it will work. It’s on you to keep working and getting better to carry out that plan.”
Are we going to see you in the NFL one day?
“That has been my goal for as long as I can remember. I hope it comes true.”
Herald Boys High School Athletes of the Year
2016—Jacob Eason, Lake Stevens
2015—Mosese Fifita, Glacier Peak
2014—Hunter Bingham, Monroe
2013—Tanner Perry, Snohomish
2012—Blake McPherson, Arlington
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