FSU's Easterling signs pro contract with Cubs

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. Florida State wide receiver Taiwan Easterling, who did not play football this spring and instead chose to play for the Seminoles' baseball team, has signed a professional contract with the Chicago Cubs. The signing means Easterling will focus on baseball full time and won't play his senior season of football for Florida State this fall. The Cubs selected Easterling in the 27th round of the major league draft in early June. Terms of the deal have not been disclosed. As an outfielder and designated hitter, Easterling hit .296 with one home run and 28 runs scored this spring for FSU. "What we lost was a budding superstar," Seminoles baseball coach Mike Martin said. "He was a guy that had made tremendous strides in the last two months. I didn't think he would develop like he did. And he got better and better. "Had Taiwan been able to devote full time to baseball, he would have been a top-three-rounder. The ceiling for him is very high. I'll be anxious to follow his progress." Easterling, a social sciences major who is just a few credit hours from his degree, was also a standout football player. He was second on the team in receptions (43) and touchdown catches (five) in 2010, and his 551 receiving yards ranked third on the team. He had catches in 24 straight games for the Seminoles and was considered the team's most consistent target for quarterbacks Christian Ponder and E.J. Manuel. Taiwan and I talked, and hes decided to pursue his career in baseball, FSU football coach Jimbo Fisher said. I totally support him 100 percent. He did an outstanding job for us. "I would have loved to have him back, but I totally understand him pursuing his future endeavors. Baseball is the way for him to go, and we wish him nothing but the best." Although consistency at receiver has been a concern for Fisher, Florida State returns a loaded receiving corps. It's a veteran group that includes senior Bert Reed (58 catches, 614 yards) and juniors Willie Haulstead (38 catches, 587 yards, six TDs) and Rodney Smith (31 catches, 448 yards). The loss of Easterling creates an opening for a young receiver such as Jared "Scooter" Haggins, Kenny Shaw or Greg Dent to step in.