If you asked a random student in the North Atlanta student section on a Friday Night what they think is the most important position in football, most students would say QB, some would say running back or wide receiver, and a few might even say it’s one of the positions on the defense. But there’s one position that is always out of the spotlight despite being a crucial part of the team on almost every offensive drive, and that is the long snapper. For North Atlanta, the unsung hero who plays long snapper is no other than senior student Easley Sloan.

Sloan has been a member of the North Atlanta football team since his freshman year, and he has been the long snapper since his sophomore year. Since becoming a long snapper, Sloan has quickly risen to a 3.5 star ranked player. This impressive evaluation was conducted by Rubio Long Snapping, a premier organization for long snapping training and recruiting across the Nation. “I’ve come a long way to earn my 3.5 star ranking, but I’m not finished yet,” said Sloan. “It’s only up from here, I want that 6 star ranking.”

The gridiron is not the only field that must face the wrath of Sloan’s athleticism. In addition to the football team, Sloan is also a member of the varsity Lacrosse team, making him part of a rare group of multi varsity sport athletes within North Atlanta. Whether he’s launching a perfect long snap to his kicker or delivering a flawless pass to his lacrosse teammates, Sloan’s work ethic and commitment to excellence are present in everything he does. “I’m always trying to put in as much effort as I can,” said Sloan. “In order to be great, you have to put in the work.”

There’s more to Sloan than just his athletic prowess on the field. As an IB student with an impressive ACT score of 36, his academic prowess is undeniable. Ranking in the top 1% of all ACT test takers across the world, Sloan embodies the commitment and dedication that is required to not just balance academics and athletics, but to excel. 

Although his time in high school is coming to a close, Sloan is sure to continue making an impact, taking it one snap at a time. After all, that’s what he’s been doing ever since he landed the long snapping job.