COUNTDOWN TO KICKOFF: 8 Days

Sep 28, 2017; Ames, IA, USA; Iowa State Cyclones wide receiver Deshaunte Jones (8) carries the ball as Texas Longhorns linebacker Malik Jefferson (46) chases during the first quarter at Jack Trice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports

Each day leading up to Iowa State’s season opener against South Dakota State, Cyclone Fanatic will check another day off the calendar with a memorable statistic, player or game as part of our Countdown to Kickoff presented by Tailgate Clothing.

On the surface level, DeShaunte Jones‘ sophomore season in 2017 could be considered a disappointment. After catching an Iowa State freshman record six touchdown passes in 2016, Jones’ scoring total dropped to zero in the second year of his collegiate career.

But, the drop in touchdown catches did not mean Jones was unproductive. The junior from Cincinnati totaled 28 catches for 273 yards while playing in all 13 games for the Cyclones and greatly improved his blocking presence on the perimeter.

Jones enters the 2018 season expected to split time with Tarique Milton at the m-receiver position and has compiled 65 catches for 809 yards and six touchdowns in 25 career games.

Jared Stansbury

View articles by Jared Stansbury subscriber

Jared a native of Clarinda, Iowa, started as the Cyclone Fanatic intern in August 2013, primarily working as a videographer until starting on the women’s basketball beat prior to the 2014-15 season. Upon earning his Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from Iowa State in May 2016, Jared was hired as the site’s full-time staff writer, taking over as the primary day-to-day reporter on football and men’s basketball. He was elevated to the position of managing editor in January 2020. He is a regular contributor on 1460 KXNO in Des Moines and makes regular guest appearances on radio stations across the Midwest. Jared resides in Ankeny with his four-year-old puggle, Lolo.

Follow @@JaredStansbury