Mekhi Sargent is heading for the NFL Draft, the Iowa running back coming off a solid season for the Hawkeyes.

On the Doak Walker watchlist in preseason, Sargent had 432 rushing yards on 76 carries with seven touchdowns in eight games. Last season, in 13 games (with eight starts), he had 563 rushing yards and four touchdowns.

A junior college transfer, Sargent joins a crowded running back list for next spring’s draft. He emerged as one of the top running backs in the Big Ten this season.

He becomes the fourth Iowa player to declare for the NFL Draft this year, joining teammates Ihmir Smith-Marsette (wide receiver), Brandon Smith (wide receiver) and Alaric Jackson (offensive tackle).

After a winless start through the first two games of the season, Iowa won six straight games and is No. 15 in the latest poll.

Sargent’s final game for Iowa has been cancelled as this week’s Music City Bowl, where they were to face Missouri, was called off due to COVID-19 concerns surrounding the SEC program.