On a couple very key fronts, Jett Easley and Anthony Cordell can simply look to each other, just as if they were looking in the mirror, for any self-fortification they might need.
Easley and Cordell appear well on their way toward having a strong impact on Ozark’s fortunes this year as sophomores. They are classmates, cohorts in the Tigers’ receiving corps and also relate to each other as speedy mighty mites.
Easley is 5-foot-8 and Cordell 5-6.
“It helps that I have somebody my age and my size doing the same thing, therefore, I know I can do it, too,” Easley said. “If it was just me, I think I could do it. But it would be a lot harder getting past that mental (hurdle) of, 'Do I fit in?’”
The two embrace a friendly rivalry forming between them to help spur their progress.
“When he catches a ball, I think, 'I need to catch a ball' and when he scores a touchdown, I'm trying to score a touchdown, too,” Cordell said. “Trying to compete with each other is a lot of fun.”
Easley and Cordell debuted at the varsity level a year ago as freshmen. Cordell handled Ozark’s kick return duties and Easley emerged as a threat at wide receiver. Easley had a 25-yard catch during Ozark’s game-winning drive in its District win at Waynesville. Combined, they had 13 catches for 102 yards.
During the Tigers’ 7-on-7 session against Nixa, Neosho and Joplin last week, Easley caught two touchdown passes and Cordell one.
They both feel more comfortable this time around playing with older teammates.
“Last year was a big confidence booster," Easley said. “I realized I can do this and be on this stage with older guys. We try to fit in with them. We're a part of them now. Age doesn't matter, we're all on the same team.”
“As a freshman, I was a little antsy out here getting varsity reps,” Cordell said. “Now, with a little experience from last year, I feel a lot more comfortable.”
Both Easley and Cordell point to their route running as an area they have made great strides.
“Last year, my routes were fine, just not as crisp as they are this year,” Cordell said. “Coming out here alone sometimes helps. Putting up cones and working on footwork, my route running has come along really well.”
Cordell caused quite a stir in off-season strength and conditioning by finishing first among the Tigers while posting a time of 3.96 in the pro-shuttle.
“I got a 4.12 and said that I was going to try to get a 3-something,” Cordell said. “I knew I was capable of it. I wiped off my shoes and went for it. The coaches didn't really believe (the 3.96), so they had two coaches time me at the same time and I got a 3.98 the second time.”
Naturally, given their similarities, Easley and Cordell have become good friends over the past year. Cordell arrived at Ozark last year after his father, Jeremy, was hired as the Tigers’ head coach.
“First time we met, I was like, 'Who is this kid, why is he fast and why haven't I seen him before?’” Easley said. "Then, I realized he is the coach's son. We immediately bonded and are really good friends now.”
“Me and Jett, we've bonded a lot,” Anthony said. “I’ve gotten to know him really well and have had a lot of fun with him. I'm excited to see what will come.”
