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AMES, Iowa – In recent weeks, senior Marquis Hamilton has provided Iowa State with its steadiest set of hands in the passing game.

Throughout his career, Hamilton has been a steady, unflappable leader.

The senior is “quiet, unassuming and goes about his business,” noted head coach Paul Rhoads. “Always positive, always working hard.

“I think he’s played above expectations,” Rhoads added, “and has been quite consistent, all season long.”

Hamilton humbled Baylor’s secondary four weeks ago, and has been rolling ever since.

The sturdily built, 6-foot-3, 224-pound senior reeled in eight of his eventual nine receptions before halftime in that Oct. 17 rout of Baylor, helping the Cyclones take control. His previous career-high reception total in any complete game was seven. He ended that night with 97 total receiving yards, abusing Baylor on quick slants.

“Marquis was making great plays for me,” said quarterback Austen Arnaud.

“When a senior steps up like Marquis has, that shows leadership,” Rhoads said. “He’s tough.”

Hamilton’s recent surge in production is in stark contrast from last season, when he caught just 26 passes all year.

Through 10 games in 2009, the senior has already registered 38 receptions.

“You just go out there and focus,” the 22-year-old said.

Hamilton will have no less than seven family members in attendance this Saturday, when Iowa State (5-5) hosts Colorado (3-6). It will be Senior Day for Hamilton and 22 teammates whom he has built great camaraderie with.

“It’ll probably be emotional,” Hamilton acknowledged. “But, you know, you can’t really get caught up in that.”

Like all of Iowa State’s fifth-year seniors, Hamilton has endured a roller-coaster ride during his college career. He has played for three separate head coaches. He got to experience the luxuries of the 2005 Houston Bowl, when Cyclone players received digital cameras as part of their postseason swag.

He also was part of a group that labored through a 5-19 record during Gene Chizik’s two-year coaching tenure.

“You know, those years in the middle, they were kinda dismal, kinda bad,” the senior said. “But I feel if we can get to a bowl game then we’ll go out on top.”

Yes, Hamilton would like to go out on a high note – and cap Rhoads’ first head-coaching campaign in style.

A bowl bid “would be a tremendous stepping stone for Coach Rhoads in his first year,” the receiver explained. “It would get (Iowa State) some momentum going into the off-season.

“It would be good to get his career on track,” Hamilton added, “and this team on track.”