When Adair County quarterback Easton Jessie tore his ACL three weeks into the 2024 season, he was concerned his football career would end after high school.
On Friday, surrounded by his family, coaches, and friends, he signed to play football with Gardner-Webb University.
In his speech before signing, Jessie thanked Gardner-Webb for the opportunity to join their football program.
“Thank you to Gardner-Webb for continuing to recruit me, even after my injury,” Jessie said, visibly moved. “While other schools backed out, they stayed loyal and that led me to this decision… Due to my injury, I was not able to accomplish the things I wanted to accomplish at (Adair County High School) and the football program (but now) I get to live out my life-long dream of playing Division I football.”
Despite the ACL tear, Jessie continued playing football. He resumed playing only three weeks after the injury and even opted to delay a reparative surgery on his ACL until the season was over. At the time, then-head coach Steve Stonebraker stated, “He is moving around on it, very confident in it… The things we ask him to do, he can do at a very high level.” Coach Stonebraker added not to write Jessie off as an athlete because of the injury. Stonebraker was proven right as Jessie signed his name on the dotted line with Gardner-Webb.
“Toughness was the first thing that people do not notice about quarterbacks all the time. Anybody that can roll out after tearing an ACL and lead his team to the playoffs and do the things that Easton has done exhibits toughness,” said new Adair County head coach Bryan Cross. Cross, an assistant coach under Stonebraker, was able to watch firsthand as Jessie continued to play football on a torn ligament.
“I have had the good fortune of having Easton in class and working with him every day out on that football field. I know what kind of leader he is, I know what kind of person he is. He is the kind of guy that raises everyone around him up. He is one of the most positive people I have ever been around in any age group.”
The Boiling Springs, N.C. school’s football team has produced a number of NFL players and coaches, including Brian Johnston with the Kansas City Chiefs and Gabe Wilkins with the Green Bay Packers. Their program is under the leadership of new head coach Cris Reisert, who recently concluded his first season with the Gardner-Webb Runnin’ Bulldogs.
“I have a close relationship with the one that recruited Easton and I think he is going to fit in extremely well at Gardner-Webb University. He is going to take his talents there… but he is also going to be a leader in that community, as well,” said Adair County Athletics Director Tyler Maskill. “I know he will transition perfectly over there… We are super proud of (him).”
Reflecting on his teammates and his career at Adair County High School, Jessie said he could not have done it without everyone around him.
“My teammates (made) me look good, and picked me up when I needed it,” he said. “I could not have done my job without them. I will cherish all the memories we made together.”
Jessie will begin his career with Gardner-Webb this fall for the 2025 season.
By Kenley Godby
kenley@adairvoice.com
