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.