Issue link: https://catalog.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1068002
14 Tampa's Raymond James Stadium. It is Iowa's second consecutive bowl victory. "Being part of this program and being an Iowa Hawkeye is the best decision I ever made," said Easley, who as a sophomore at Iowa Western in 2016 led the National Junior College Athletic Association with 72 receptions. "I am so proud of this team, so proud I got to be part of this team and this program under coach Ferentz. It has been an unbelievable ride and I have loved every minute of it." ere were 60 more minutes to love of his collegiate playing career on New Year's Day in the Outback Bowl. e aernoon started quietly, with Easley making his first reception (for two yards) on Iowa's seventh play of the game. By halime, he had three receptions for 84 yards and a 75-yard touchdown — the longest touchdown reception in Iowa's bowl history. It put the Hawkeyes ahead, 10-6. Until that score, Iowa had run 15 plays for nine yards. "ere are a couple different places where the ball could go," Easley said of his first touchdown. "But with the play-action and how aggressive (Mississippi State's) defense is, they bit on the play fake a little bit. Luckily (quarterback) Nate (Stanley) was able to find me; it was a good job by him seeing me down the seam and he put a good ball on me." As time was running out on the third quarter, Stanley found Easley again. e result once again put Iowa ahead and once again Easley deflected praise to teammates. "at is the play that sticks out to me," Easley said. "If you look at that play and look at the guys blocking for me — Kyle Groeneweg I think put his guy on the ground, that is an undersized guy (5-10, 186) going against a backer. Kyle did a great job there and then Brandon Smith holding that guy off in the end zone, allowing me to get the edge and get in there. e credit goes to them."