Iowa State Football: 3 takeaways from overtime win over Northern Iowa

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AMES, IA – AUGUST 31: Running back Trevon Alexander #36 of the Northern Iowa Panthers tackles wide receiver Deshaunte Jones #8 of the Iowa State Cyclones as he rushed for yards in the first half of play at Jack Trice Stadium on August 31, 2019 in Ames, Iowa. (Photo by David Purdy/Getty Images) /

2. Deshaunte Jones can be ‘that guy’ at receiver

In Matt Campbell’s first couple of seasons, he had Allen Lazard as a true No. 1 receiver and then Hakeem Butler rose to the top of the depth chart in 2018 but with both gone, the offense needed to find a new go-to target and Brock Purdy may have found just that in senior Deshaunte Jones.

The Cincinnati, Ohio, native started his career as a breakout candidate, catching 37 passes for 536 yards and six touchdowns as a freshman, but his numbers dwindled in his sophomore and junior seasons.

Against Northern Iowa, it was clear that Jones is ready to be that breakout star for the Cyclones this season. He was making impressive catches all day long, including a one-handed grab late in the fourth that kept a Cyclone drive alive while down by three points. He’s able to twist and contort his body to adjust to the ball and he makes it look easy.

The 5-10 wide out may not be the biggest guy on the field, but he’s got plenty of speed and make ’em miss ability. He’s going to be a problem for Big 12 defenses after finishing with 14 catches for 126 yards.

Iowa State has another star in the receiving corps, folks.

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