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13 Aer graduating from Newton (Iowa) High School in 2014, Easley attended Iowa Western Community College in Council Bluffs, Iowa, where he was named team captain as a sophomore. at season he led the National Junior College Athletic Association with 72 receptions. "ere were a lot of ups and downs going to Iowa Western, not having a lot of offers, and having to walk on," Easley said. "It was a weird path, but I wouldn't change it for anything. I'm thankful for it and it molded me into the person and player I am." Growing up, Easley was a fan of the St. Louis Rams, especially wide receivers Torry Holt and Isaac Bruce. "ey are the reason I wanted to play wide receiver," Easley said. But it was at Iowa where he learned traits that could get him to the next level and into the NFL. "e way Iowa molded me into a player, I am someone who can fit the culture and bring positive things," Easley said. "On the field, I am a guy who can be reliable, consistent, and can move the sticks for an offense. I want to be that clutch third-down guy. "Getting into this system and program, the work everyone puts in, including all my teammates and coaches, everyone worked hard to put me in position to succeed and give me that opportunity. I am thankful for that." e NFL Dra is April 25-27 in Nashville, Tennessee. "ere is a chance I could be a late pick," Easley said. "If not, hopefully I get a good shot with a team in free agency and get in the right situation. at's big for me — getting in the right situation with the right team and then going to work." N ick Easley was sprinting routes and catching passes inside the Stew and LeNore Hansen Football Performance Center on March 25, something he had been doing in anonymity since being named MVP of the Outback Bowl on Jan. 1. On this day, instead of putting on a show in front of 40,518 in Tampa's Raymond James Stadium, Easley was showing off to 43 scouts representing 31 NFL teams at University of Iowa football Pro Day. "I felt I ran well and my routes went well in the position drills," Easley said. "I felt I put myself in a good position to get more attention with the numbers I put up." e 5-foot-11, 203-pound Easley ran 4.54 seconds in the 40-yard dash and added a 36-inch vertical and a 10-foot broad jump. e recipient of the Brett Greenwood Award recognizing the values of and production from a former walk-on, Easley hauled in eight passes for 104 yards and two touchdowns in the Outback Bowl. Iowa finished the season 9-4 following its 27-22 postseason win over No. 18 Mississippi State. Easley was far from a one-game wonder. He led Iowa last season with 52 catches (for 494 yards and five touchdowns). His 75-yard scoring reception in the Outback Bowl gave Iowa its first lead of the game and was the longest of the season by a Hawkeye. In 2018, Easley led the team with 51 catches for 530 yards and four touchdowns. "Two years ago, I was just trying to get somebody's attention and trying to play college football on the biggest stage," Easley said. "(On March 25) I was able to perform in front of scouts from 31 NFL teams. It's pretty unreal. I'm blessed to be here and have this experience."