UNI receiver Desmond Hutson has thrived in the red zone after transferring from Iowa

CEDAR FALLS — In college football’s new world where the transfer portal gives and takes, Northern Iowa senior wide receiver Desmond Hutson is a prime example of what the portal can give.

Now in his third season with the Panthers after transferring from Iowa, the Raytown, Mo., native is putting the finishing touches on what’s been a productive career at UNI that’s included seven touchdown receptions and a catch in 26 of his last 27 games.

“What I like about (Hutson) is how he plays every play (and) how he comes to every practice,” UNI Coach Mark Farley said. “(He) has a personality that everybody is drawn to off the field. You can see him visualize (plays) and the great ones can visualize, because they’ve got experience and they’re in the zone.”

Hutson’s penchant for the red zone has made opponents and fans who pay close attention zone in on him whenever the UNI offense gets inside the 20-yard line.

Asked about his red-zone success, he pointed toward a number of physical and mental elements, including field awareness and film study.

“It’s just realizing that things happen a lot faster,” Hutson said. “You have to be just as aggressive as the defense. And know that your quarterback might get sped up so your eyes have to be back on (him).”

Team and individual success have proved more difficult to come by this season, though, as the Panthers (2-5, 0-2 MVFC) are hoping to snap a five-game losing streak at 4 p.m. Saturday (ESPN+) in their homecoming game against Missouri State (5-2, 3-0).

Despite the adversity UNI and Hutson have faced this season, he’s maintaining perspective emblematic of the poise and experience Farley complimented him for.

“Yeah, since the last game last (season) I’ve started realizing like, ‘whoa, I’m on my last year,’ and time went by way faster than I expected,” Hutson said. “I keep trying to reiterate that to the young guys. Even during fall camp when we had our last practice I just took a little bit of time to stay after and really absorb it.”

Hutson went on to describe how playing at Memorial Stadium in Week 3 against Nebraska felt like a full-circle moment.

As he continues to absorb and appreciate the dwindling moments he has left in his college football career, he knows it’ll be bittersweet Saturday afternoon when he plays in his final homecoming game.

“It’s a game that I would love for a lot of fans to come out (to). It being our homecoming I think that would do a lot for the boys on the team,” he said. “I think that would do a lot for our momentum (and) do a lot for our belief in this upcoming game.

“I’m sure they will. The UNI crowd always shows love.”