Interview: 2020 California WR Eren East Covers Workouts and Recruiting

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

The 2018 season for Narbonne High School (Harbor City) started slow but picked up steam, and in a really big way, by mid-season. The loaded roster started to gel on both sides of the ball. The offense took flight by Game 6 averaging 53 points per game through the CIF City Playoffs with a three-headed monster in the backfield between Jack Brown, Marceese Yetts, JoJuan Collins and another three-headed monster in the receiving corps that included Josh Jackson, Steve Jenkins, and Eren East. East (5-10, 155) took All-League honors after securing 54 passes for 772 yards with three touchdowns in 14 games. Now recruiting is starting to pop.

East and Jackson return for their senior year along with Class of 2021 starting quarterback Jake Garcia with the goal of winning another CIF Los Angeles City title and another trip to state. With offseason workouts going full-force, I sat down with Eren East to learn more about his junior campaign, offseason workouts, and growing recruiting prospects that includes an offer from Southern Miss.

Interview

Eren, you, Steve Jenkins, and Josh Jackson were a fearsome trio in the Gauchos passing attack last season. What made your receiving unit so tough to guard?

“Our quickness and our speed.”

You guys had fantastic talent throwing to you in Jake Garcia, Jaylen Henderson, and the rising freshman Ashley Tucker. How did you work on the chemistry with your quarterbacks?

“We stayed after practice and threw with them.”

The Gauchos played a ridiculously tough schedule. Of all the games, which game was the most challenging for you?

“For me, it was the opening game against St. Louis out of Hawaii. That game was the biggest challenge.”

How did that challenge help make you better?

“It was a challenge going against different athletes I had never seen before.”

Which game was your best last season?

“My best game was the against Birmingham.”

Why do you consider the Birmingham game your best?

“I think I had six or seven catches for about 120 yards with a touchdown.”

What are the skills you have that you feel sets you apart from other receivers in your class?

“I have the best hands, quickness, and a good football IQ.”

Which areas of your game are you improving upon this offseason?

“My speed.”

You’re playing 7v7 with Ground Zero, how is that helping you stay sharp and move forward with your overall game?

“They hold good practices. We work on our routes and work to perfect our craft.”

How did the Passing Downs tournament over the weekend go for you?

“It went well. We won and I won Offensive MVP for the tournament.”

Nice. How did the Nike Opening Regional in Los Angeles go for you?

“It went well. I won most of my reps and I learned new knowledge from former NFL players.”

Are you going to any other national camps or combines this spring?

“I went to the Rivals camp and I am going to the Under Armour All-American Camp.”

You have an offer from Southern Miss, which other schools are showing interest?

“I am receiving interest from Oregon State, San Jose State, Wyoming, Montana State, Nebraska, and Arizona State.”

Which schools have you visited thus far?

“I have visited Florida, Arizona, and Arizona State.”

Do you have any planned visits coming up?

“USC, UCLA, and maybe UNLV.”

Last question. For college coaches out there who may read this but not know you personally, what type of student-athlete are you? Why should a college coach invest time in recruiting you?

“I am coachable, an easy listener, and I catch on to everything quickly.”

Eren, thanks for your time today and good luck with your upcoming 7v7 tournaments.

“Thank you.”

Contribute Now

Photo credits: East family; Eren East at the LA Nike Opening and at Univ. of Florida