Cubs sign Florida State wide receiver

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida State's most reliable receiver is leaving school to pursue a professional baseball career.

Taiwan Easterling, a three-year starter for the Seminoles who had at least one catch in each of his last 24 games, signed a professional contract with the Chicago Cubs and is foregoing his final year of football eligibility.

Easterling caught 43 passes for 551 yards and five touchdowns last season at Florida State, including the game-clinching score in the Seminoles 26-17 Peach Bowl victory over South Carolina. Easterling finished his career with 108 catches for 1,315 yards and eight touchdowns. His 108 catches rank 18th all-time at Florida State, one ahead of former Seminole Jesse Hester.

Easterling hit .296 for the Seminoles this season highlighted by a 4-for-4 performance in the NCAA Regional tournament..