Jett Easley entered his freshman season with aspirations of future success, but wouldn’t have guessed he’d make any sort of impact as soon as this fall.
“I dreamed of this, but didn't really think it would be reality,” Easley said after emerging as a go-to wide receiver in Ozark’s 13-12 Class 6 District 5 victory at Waynesville last Friday.
Easley hauled in four receptions, with three of his catches earning Ozark a first down. He produced a 25-yard catch-and-run on Ozark’s winning drive in the final minutes that was capped by Sam Clark’s 29-yard field goal.
“It's exciting, I've never done anything like this,” Easley said.
Easley was among a slew of Ozark underclassmen who turned in impressive showings in their Districts debut. They found the winning feeling of playoff football very much to their liking.
“It was everything I thought it was going to be and more,” junior linebacker Jordan Giles said.
More and more juniors, sophomores and even freshmen have been playing for the Tigers as the season has progressed. Injuries in some instances have cleared the way for playing time. Whatever the case, the underclassmen are taking advantage of their increasing game-night reps by improving and showing star potential.
Easley, Giles, Clark, junior linebacker/running back Parker Elliott, junior defensive end Ruben Arvizu, sophomore quarterback Peyton Russell, junior cornerback/wideout Taygen Scott, junior safety Peyton Bullinger, sophomore running back Rory Banks, junior cornerback Marcus Heavin and freshman kick returner Anthony Cordell are among the underclassmen whose roles have continued to grow.
“You can go down the list, it's good to see those guys perform and get this experience,” coach Jeremy Cordell said.
Elliott, Arvizu and Clark began to show their potential as key cogs defensively last season. They have been thrilled to see many of their classmates join them as starters.
The juniors made up Ozark’s freshman team from two years ago that was undefeated.
“It's very exciting for the future of Ozark football,” Elliott said. “Everybody is getting playing time and people are stepping up in big roles. That's hard to do when you're an underclassman.”
“A lot of the key players tonight were providing energy on our sideline last year and this season have stepped into big roles,” Arvizu said.
Arvizu collected a pair of TFLs and a blocked field goal against Waynesville."
"Ruben played a great game. He's a gritty football player," Cordell said.
Elliott has been Ozark’s top tackler all season. He added to his duties by playing offense for the first time this season and repeatedly running the ball against Waynesville.
“It’s post-season, anything goes. Sometimes, you've got to throw a little conventional wisdom out the window,” Cordell said about having Elliott play on both sides of the ball. “He loves to win and will do anything it takes to put his team in a good position. If he's got to play every snap of the game, that's what he's going to do.
“We called his number and Parker responded,” he added. “He ran the ball hard. Even when there wasn't something there, he ran the ball hard. He's a competitor. He gives his all.”
Clark started at cornerback last season and has responded to his switch to offense this season by collecting more than 50 catches. He’s also starred as a punter and place-kicker.
Russell has thrown the ball on average 20 times a game, while recording more than 1,000 yards passing and six touchdowns. Perhaps most impressive, he’s been guilty of a modest four interceptions.
Banks gave Ozark two sophomore starters in its offensive backfield for the Backyard Brawl. He has averaged more than five yards a carry, to go along with 10 catches.
Easley and Cordell both made their first varsity catch in Week Seven at Neosho, after being promoted to the varsity following the completion of the freshman team’s season.
“They brought us in to practice to learn more of the offense,” Easley said.
Easley is the younger brother of 2022 Ozark grad Jace Easley, an All-COC safety who also played at wide receiver and quarterback.
“He's happy for me,” Jett said. “He's a big influence on me. I’m doing my best to follow in his footsteps.”
Like Jace, Jett is displaying elusiveness with the ball in his hands.
“I catch it, see the defender and avoid him the best I can,” Jett said.
“Jett had a great game and big catches (against Waynesville). I’m proud of him,” Cordell said. “He’s got some good skills. He’s got a knack. He's calm, but shifty and has got some speed to him. There’s a reason why he's been in games.”
