Easter is the definition of a two-way athlete. In fact, the colleges recruiting him aren’t in consensus on which position is his best. I like him best at tight end, where he caught 23 passes for Southeast Alamance. Defensively, he can really get after the passer, but is also one of the best at setting the edge as a run defender.

Easter’s recruiting stock is finally starting to catch up to his talent, and the two-way star is gaining momentum on the trail. I go back and forth about his best position, but I think I’ve landed on him as a college tight end. That being said, he’s a stout run defender on the edge, and has the raw athleticism to push the pocket and finish sacks in the passing game.

Arguably the best dual-threat tight end in the state, Easter can run, block, and catch with the best of them. He’ll stay in line and function as a safety valve, play as a key blocker Southeast Alamance can run behind, or even line up as the weak side receiver and run fades against single-coverage.

We initially had Easter ranked as an edge rusher, but he’s kept his weight down, and we like him best as a powerful blocker and strong route-runner at the tight end position. He’s one of the shiftier big guys in the state, with remarkably nimble feet and the ability to win off the line. He’s a developing blocker, but his strength should make that an easy transition.

Drew Easter Drew Easter 6'4" | 223 lbs | TE/EDGE Southeast Alamance | 2027 State NC | Southeast Alamance | 6’4” 223
Easter is a true mismatch in the secondary. With elite ball skills, he can catch anything thrown his way, and at 6’4, 223, he’s stronger than most linemen—more than capable of moving defenders out of his path. Earlier this offseason at a 7v7 event, he stood out as the top tight end on the field. Easter is a diamond in the rough whose stock should continue to climb.

We were early with Easter, who was one of the better freshman tight ends I’ve scouted in the last few cycles. Since, he’s gotten bigger, stronger, and faster. I’d like to see him hone his route-running just a bit more, but his measurables and times are creeping into the elite range that we like to see from our high upside tight end prospects, especially the guys who are pass-catchers first.

Drew Easter Drew Easter 6'4" | 223 lbs | TE/EDGE Southeast Alamance | 2027 State NC : Top Offensive Sophomore of the I-40 Classic

Drew Easter Drew Easter 6'4" | 223 lbs | TE/EDGE Southeast Alamance | 2027 State NC of Southeast Alamance was easily the most reliable pass catcher for the Burlington Bulls, who finished as the I-40 Classic runner-ups. At 6’4″ and 225 pounds, Easter was a matchup nightmare all tournament long, displaying a combination of size, skill, and athleticism that made him a constant threat. As the top offensive sophomore at the event, Easter stood out not only for his physical presence but also for his refined skills as a pass catcher.

Throughout the weekend, Easter’s route running was smooth and precise, with the kind of fluidity you’d expect from a much more experienced player. He showcased excellent hands, making tough catches in critical situations and displaying a level of reliability that is rare for a player of his age. Despite his size, Easter moved faster than defenders expected, creating separation and making himself a consistent option in the passing game.

While he plays both Edge and Tight End for Southeast Alamance, I was only able to evaluate his pass-catching skills during the tournament, and he left a lasting impression. With his potential and physical traits, Easter has the chance to see a real uptick in his recruitment by the end of the summer. If he continues to develop, he could very well emerge as one of the top recruits in the state by his senior season.

Easter is an extremely versatile player for Southeast Alamance, and we list him as a defensive end not as an indictment on his tight end upside, but rather because we think he could be an elite prospect on defense. His length and hand usage are evident on film and he takes the angles or a linebacker or safety. Having a guy that size who can do so many different things well is almost unfair.

One of my favorite edge prospects in the class of 2027, Easter is also a huge target on offense. He’s still getting a feel for the tight end position, but his release is naturally solid and he displays soft hands when thrown to. This will be an interesting year for Easter as he could be a solid college prospect at either edge or tight end. As I watch him this season, I’m looking to see which position becomes his best.