- Senior Salute: Leland Gantz
- 2024 Final Leaders: Southeastern Indiana
- 2024 NKFCA Top 26
- 2024 OPSMA Division I All-Ohio Teams, Ponatoski tabbed as OPOY
- 2024 OPSMA Division II All-Ohio Teams; Burnam named Co-OPOY
- 2024 OPSMA Division III All-Ohio Teams
- 2024 OPSMA Division IV All-Ohio Football Teams; Taft’s Pavey named Co-DPOY
- 2024 OPSMA Division V All-Ohio Football Teams
- 2024 OPSMA Division VI All-Ohio Football Teams
- 2024 OPSMA Division VII All-Ohio Football Teams
Easterling maxes out for Fairborn
- Updated: May 1, 2016
Fairborn football has rarely had an athlete make a mark on the program like Brandon Easterling. The way Easterling goes about his business has made everyone in the school take notice. His leadership and desire have rubbed off on all he is in contact with. With his senior year still in front of him it appears good things could be happening for Easterling and Skyhawks sports starting this fall.
A relentless work ethic on and off the field is what sets Brandon apart. In the classroom Easterling maintains a Fairborn junior class high Grade Point Average of 4.28. That is pretty impressive considering that he is a three-sport star as a receiver and safety in football, starting points guard on the Skyhawks GWOC South Co-Champion basketball team and runs track in the spring. It is a jam-packed and non-stop schedule for the youngster to say the least.
Fairborn head basketball head coach Nathan Chivington best sums up who Easterling is and what he means to Fairborn High School. “Brandon is a maximizer by his ability to lift himself and others to peak performance. He leads by example and motivates others to be at their best. He encourages others to go beyond the limitations they place on themselves. He strives for excellence in all areas and inspires others to do the same.”
Chivington says of Easterling’s impact. “This is seen is seen in daily practices, game performances and effort in the classroom. Maximum effort can always be expected from him and it rubs off on all of those around him. Brandon can perform at his best for long periods of time because he trains so hard. He is mentally tough.”
From the moment Easterling set foot on the football field as a frshman he stood out and promptly found a home in Fairborn’s starting lineup. Brandon heads into his final campaign having started all 30 games of his varsity career.
Last season Easterling led Fairborn with 44 receptions for 518 yards with four touchdowns. He also became the team’s full-time starter at strong safety on defense and finished with a GWOC high 102 tackles during the regular season. Brandon didn’t take time off on special teams either returning kicks and punts as well as being the Skyhawks long-snapper. The stat sheet filler earned AP Division II Second Team All-Southwest District honors for his efforts.
The work that the 5-foot-11, 182 pound Easterling has put in has led to an invitation to compete with other receivers and defensive backs from the Midwest in Columbus at “The Opening Regional’s’ sponsored by Nike this upcoming weekend on May, 7th. Brandon will look to parlay his skills into scholarship offers.
With a personality that leaves a lasting impression you can bet Easterling will walk out of the Nike competition having made college coaches take notice. A one of kind talent, the best days of the “Maximizer” are still ahead.
CAREER STATS:
Offense: 74 receptions, 842 – receiving yards, 6 receiving touchdowns, 242 rushing yards, 2 rushing touchdowns & 1,760 all-purpose yards.
Defense: 135 tackles, 2 interceptions, 2 forced fumbles & 1 fumble recovery
HONORS
Football
–AP Division II Second Team All-Southwest District (DB)
–Named to NIKE Competition
–Cox Media-Coaches AP Division II Second Team All-Southwest District (DB)
–Team Offensive MVP
–Team Teams MVP
–Three-year Letterman
Basketball
–Honorable Mention GWOC South
–Basketball Iron Man Award
–Ohio Basketball Coaches Scholarship Award
–Three-year Letterman
–Skyhawk Athletic Club Award for Outstanding Academic & Athletic Performance – junior and sophomore years
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