DB Maurice Fleming will transfer from Iowa as graduate student
IOWA CITY, Iowa – Maurice Fleming has been listed as the starting left cornerback for the Iowa football team throughout spring practice.
That changed on Tuesday, though, when Iowa announced that Fleming would seek to transfer to a different school as a fifth-year graduate student.
"Maurice has shared his desire to spend his fifth and final season as a graduate transfer at another institution," Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz said in a release. "Reese has been a valuable contributor throughout his career at Iowa, and we wish him the best in his final season this fall."
A native of Chicago, Fleming played three seasons for the Hawkeyes, appearing in 33 games and mostly on special team. He saw action in all 14 games last season, recording nine solo tackles, eight assists, along with five pass break-ups. He recorded 11 tackles as a sophomore and three as a redshirt freshman.
"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’m going to explore my options to make the best of my senior year."
As a graduate transfer, Fleming would be eligible to play immediately for an FBS school. Iowa has placed no restrictions on Fleming’s transfer options.
Fleming has been listed as the starting left cornerback this spring opposite of Desmond King, but only because senior Greg Mabin is out with an injury. Mabin has combined to start 26 games at cornerback over the past two seasons and is expected to be healthy by the start of preseason practice.
Sophomore Josh Jackson also will be in the mix for playing time at cornerback next season. So Fleming would’ve faced plenty of competition for playing time in his final season.
The position received a huge boost when King decided to return for his senior season after winning the Jim Thorpe Award last season. King has started at cornerback since he was a freshman.
Fleming is the 11th player from Iowa’s 24-player recruiting class in 2012 to either transfer or leave the program with eligibility remaining.