Easley played college baseball at Mississippi State University for the Mississippi State Bulldogs baseball team . In his freshman year of 2005 , he split time at third base and catcher in 62 games , hitting .296 with three home runs and 32 RBIs . In his sophomore year of 2006 , he hit .336 with four home runs , 42 RBIs , and 18 doubles . In his junior year , he hit .358 with 12 home runs and 68 RBIs . He won the Johnny Bench Award , beating out Buster Posey and Matt Wieters . Easley was also the 2007 recipient of the Cellular South Ferriss Trophy ( now the C Spire Ferriss Trophy ) , awarded annually to Mississippi 's top collegiate baseball player
C Spire Ferriss Trophy
C Spire Ferriss Trophy
Ed Easley