Issue link: https://catalog.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1068002
15 Easley entered the Outback Bowl with 95 career receptions at Iowa — 51 for 530 yards and four touchdowns as a junior, and 44 for 390 yards and three touchdowns as a senior. Aer the MVP performance, his 103 receptions place him 21st in school history. Prior to the Outback Bowl, because of the premature defection of first-team All-Big Ten tight end Noah Fant to the NFL, Ferentz hinted that Iowa's offense would rely more on three-receiver sets. e trio of Easley, Ihmir Smith-Marsette, and Smith combined for 15 receptions, 166 yards, and three touchdowns against Mississippi State. One of the most relentless and resilient Hawkeyes was Easley. He was a key component in Iowa playing team, opportunist football. "It's how we're built. We have guys who were highly recruited and we have other guys who worked their way and have proven they deserve to play at this level," Ferentz said. "It's all about getting an opportunity. e work is done by the players and Nick is a great illustration of that." It all started with a brief phone call two years ago. It's interesting how things work out in life and sports.