Interview: Early in the Process 2023 WR/TE Shamar Easter is Already Dominating Arkansas Defenses
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Good luck to the defensive backs who have to cover Shamar Easter. Along the theme that life is not fair, trying to matchup against Easter is nearly impossible. At 6-6, 215-pounds, Easter has the athletic talents to line up on the outside or in tight blocking in space or in the box. As a receiving target for Ashdown this season, Easter has gobbled up 21 pigskins for 443 yards with eight touchdowns adding three two-point conversions to the stat line through nine games. Being a three-sport athlete, also competing in basketball and track (hurdles, 200, and 4×4), all the skills come through on tape.
Those skills have helped the Panthers to a 7-3 record with a playoff game against Ozark on the schedule. Those same talents have offers on the board from Arkansas, Florida State, Kansas, and New Mexico.
Let’s talk about it.
Interview
Shamar, you are dominating defenses with your size, speed, and athletic talents. The good ones make the game look easy – it looks like going against 4A defenses is too easy for your sometimes. Is that accurate?
(Laughs) No, sir. I just follow my block like we practice. I follow my tracks.
I think you are being humble; I understand. Your wingspan and soft hands give you the opportunity to catch anything within your area code. How have you worked on your hands over the offseason and throughout the 2020 schedule?
I run routes, catch a lot of balls, and sometimes I go into our inside facility to catch tennis balls.
Because of your speed, you can line up on the outside and with your size in tight on the end. What are some of the routes you are running this season regardless of where you line up?
Posts, corners, goes, and slants; that’s about it.
Sticking with your speed, you have that gear easily accessible when you want to go. How fast are you?
This summer I ran a 4.6, but I have gotten faster since then.
Do you have a favorite position between tight end and receiver?
It does not matter to me. I will do whatever if it helps the team.
Which has been your best game this season?
Hmm, the Nashville game. I did not catch any balls, but I blocked really well.
The Panthers had back to back heavyweight fights with Robinson and Fountain Lake splitting the games. The team is rugged fighting to the end. How are you guys looking in your opinion heading into the playoffs?
We are doing what we can. We have some people coming back next week and we are moving people around but making sure they are right. Once they get it done, we will be good.
You guys get a bye and then play Ozark. What kind of game are you expecting from the Hillbillies (7-3)?
They fight. They can run and pass. We are fast too, but they are not as fast as we are. If we can play faster, play smart and be more physical we win.
Let’s get into recruiting. How many offers do you have on the table?
Four.
Which team was the first to offer you?
Arkansas.
Which team was the last?
Florida State.
Getting that first offer, what was the moment like for you?
I was excited. It was fun. I was happy, and my mom was happy.
In 2021, which schools might you visit?
I want to see Florida State, Arkansas, and maybe LSU and Clemson and all those schools.
Shamar, it was great spending time with you talking football. Wishing you and the Panthers success in the playoffs this year.
Thank you.
Photo credit: Ashdown HS/Easter family; Shamar Easter