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Football's Billy Eastep to Play at Yale University

Brophy senior defensive back Billy Eastep committed to the Ivy League’s Yale University in December. He will celebrate his decision at the Brophy Football Signing Day celebration on Feb. 7.

“It is nice to have the decision made,” said Eastep. “A lot of my peers are wondering about colleges. I know where I am going, preparing for the next level.”

Eastep will play for Joel E. Smilow ‘54 Head Coach of Football Tony Reno. He is entering his 12th season at Yale in 2024, leading the Bulldogs to three Ivy League Championships.

“The coaching staff swayed me in my decision and how they go about football and academics,” said Eastep. “They have the next level intent in training and the overall experience. I have  relationships with the other commits and am excited to get out there with them.”

Eastep was a Central Region second-team selection on defense in 2023. He recorded 32 tackles (30 solos) with two tackles for loss, two interceptions, and six passes defended. He has been a three-year letter-winner and one of two team captains this season. He was also a 2021 6A conference all-state honorable mention choice, first-team all-region and All-Academic selection. 
 
“Yale is getting a truly special young man,” said Head Coach Jason Jewell. “A great football player, a great lacrosse player, a great kid who was one of our team captains. Billy set a goal of playing in the Ivy League as a sophomore, and I am so happy to see him accomplish that goal. His versatility, intelligence, and physicality will lead to him having a very successful career at Yale.”
 
Eastep is also a standout on the lacrosse team, earning defensive MVP on the state championship team in 2022.

“We have a talented group back and a target on our backs in-state and out-of-state. We have an exciting schedule starting with Desert Vista on Tuesday and the out-of-state teams on our schedule.”

Eastep, who will study Economics, participated in the Brophy Student Council, National Honor Society, and Saving Amy on campus.

“We had good memories from the season,” said Eastep. “Right after, it was hard to look at the season as successful because the loss in the semifinals overshadowed the season. Taking a step back, we went from three wins to 10 wins and had the growth as a program we had. I remember freshman year. I did not know too many guys at those first practices with the white shirts with our names in Sharpie, but being with those guys over the four years and making those bonds was special.”

Eastep continues his play for Brophy on the lacrosse field this spring. He will also be recognized at the National Football Foundation Awards in March as one of their Scholar-Athlete recipients. 

“It is a great honor,” said Eastep.” I have talked to past recipients from Brophy, and it is special to be recognized for the work I have put in with academics and football coming together in one award.”

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