Offensive Player to Watch: Sean Shaw Jr.

Deshaunte Jones and La’Michael Pettway combined for 131 receptions, 1,553 receiving yards, and eight touchdowns in 2019. Iowa State will have the lofty task of replacing the two veteran pass catcher’s production this season. Redshirt sophomore, Sean Shaw Jr. will be one of the wide receivers that will be looked at to step up for the Cyclones. Last season in his initial season of on-field action Shaw Jr. recorded 15 catches, 231 yards, and five touchdowns.

Sean Shaw Jr. is a 6’6” 212 pounds wide receiver from Jones, Oklahoma. He arrived in Ames as a three-star recruit rated as the 541 prospect in the class of 2018. A normal Cyclone fan will see Shaw Jr’s frame and reminisce of recent great ISU big-bodied receivers like Hakeem Butler or Allen Lazard. The incoming sophomore showed great flashes last season where he showed that he can be a featured redzone target and maybe even a number one receiver in the Big 12.

Looking at this week’s matchup the Ragin’ Cajuns from Louisiana will be no push over, as they were the 18th best defense in all of FBS last season in points allowed, so the Cyclones will need all hands on deck for week one. Louisiana was superb against the pass allowing the fifth least amount of touchdowns all season in 2019. U of L was an 11 win team in last season and return seven defensive starters this season, so Iowa State should be ready for a dog fight.

Although Charlie Kolar and Tarique Milton will likely be Brock Purdy’s favorite targets in 2020, Iowa State will certainly need a number three option to reach their peak offensive potential, furthermore competing for a Big 12 championship and a New Year’s 6 bowl game. Sean Shaw Jr. might not be the main factor in the Cyclones taking the next step as a program, but he certainly might be the missing link in creating one of the most well-oiled machines in the FBS.