A former Iowa defensive back has decided to begin his journey towards the NFL.

Sunday, Miami (OH) fifth-year defensive back Emmanuel Rugamba announced that he has declared for the 2021 NFL Draft. He makes the decision shortly after the Mid-American Conference pulled the plug on a fall football season in 2020.

Rugamba announced his decision with a post on Twitter.

Rugamba spent two seasons at Iowa (2016-17) and appeared in 22 career games for the Hawkeyes. He totaled 55 tackles, broke up 4 passes, hauled in two interceptions and recovered 2 fumbles during those two seasons.

Rugamba transferred to Miami before the 2018 season. Due to NCAA transfer rules, he was not eligible that season and was forced to sit out until the 2019 campaign.

Last year was Rugamba’s lone season on the field with the RedHawks, but it was a solid one. The defensive back earned third-team All-MAC honors after totaling 85 tackles, 9 pass break-ups and an interception. He also tallied 3 tackles for loss in 13 games.

Rugamba was named the MAC Championship Game Defensive Player of the Game after totaling 11 stops and breaking up a pass in Miami’s 26-21 victory over Central Michigan.