On January 9, thousands of spectators packed the Alamodome and tuned in to watch the U.S. Army All American Bowl in San Antonio to cheer on the nation’s best high school football players, including recent graduate Jacob Eason.

“It’s unreal, y’know, coming from a normal high school and coming down here with all the top guys in the country… the speed, the strength of these guys is unreal. It’s fun to go at a fast pace, with high energy,” Eason said.

In the U.S. Army All American Bowl game, it’s East vs West. This year, Eason led the East as quarterback. The West started the game on a roll, and the East had a hard time keeping up with the pace. During the first quarter, Eason fumbled, and then fumbled again after recovering the play and getting hit. This allowed Texas Christian University commit, Sewo Olonilua to take the lead for the West, giving them a 13 point lead. The West continued their lead before the end of the second half with another touchdown. After a rough first half, the East tried to make a comeback by blocking an extra point attempt and returning it to settle the score at 19-2. Their comeback continued when Louisville commit Jawon Pass ran for a touchdown that pulled the East to 19-9. Despite the hard work and determination of the East, the West continued to rack up points and the game ended with a score of 37-9.

Despite the loss for the East team, Eason still walked away a winner. During an award ceremony held the night before the game, Eason was awarded the prestigious honor of being named U.S. Army Player of the Year. Mark S. Davis, the deputy assistant secretary of the Army for marketing noted that while all the players in attendance excelled in athletics, Eason had gone above and beyond.

“This year, we would like to recognize Jacob for demonstrating character, leadership and athletic excellence. We congratulate Jacob on his achievements and selection as the 2016 U.S. Army Player of the Year,” Davis said.

Immediately following the game Eason boarded a flight for Georgia, where he began classes at The University of Georgia on January 11. The Valhalla would like to wish Eason the best as he begins the next chapter of his life.