Advertisement

Iowa DB Maurice Fleming to pursue graduate transfer

(Brian Ray/hawkeyesports.com)
(Brian Ray/hawkeyesports.com)

Iowa took a hit to its secondary depth on Tuesday.

The program announced that defensive back Maurice Fleming will pursue a graduate transfer after earning his degree in May. In a release, Hawkeyes head coach Kirk Ferentz said Fleming approached him about the move. The coach granted his release without restrictions, so Fleming can transfer to any school and compete immediately.

“Maurice has shared his desire to spend his fifth and final season as a graduate transfer at another institution,” Ferentz said. “Reese has been a valuable contributor throughout his career at Iowa, and we wish him the best in his final decision this fall.”

Fleming has played in 33 games in his Iowa career, but has been a backup to fellow seniors Desmond King and Greg Mabin. King, an All-American, is entering his fourth year as a starter while Mabin will start for a third straight season at the opposite cornerback spot.

[Check out Dr. Saturday on Tumblr for entertaining things you won’t see on the blog]

Looking for a place to start, Fleming opted to move on.

“I feel blessed for my time at Iowa and want to thank coach Kirk Ferentz and coach Phil Parker for their help in making me a better football player and keeping me humble,” Fleming said in a statement. “At this time I am going to explore my options to make the best of my senior year.”

Fleming played in all 14 games for the Hawkeyes last season, finishing with 17 tackles and five pass breakups. Overall, Fleming totaled 31 tackles in his career.

[Visit Dr. Saturday on Facebook for stories you might have missed and chat with the writers]

For more Iowa news, visit HawkeyeReport.com.

- - - - - - -

Sam Cooper is a contributor for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!