Iowa Football: CB Manny Rugamba Suspended for Season Opener

Some unsettling news came out of Iowa City today, as it was announced by head coach Kirk Ferentz that Manny Rugamba, the team’s top cornerback, will be suspended for the season opener for violating team rules.

The team rule that Rugamba broke remains unknown, and he has yet to speak to the media since Ferentz announced the news. Typically, missing a starting corner for the season opener against a WAC team wouldn’t be much cause for concern. However, Wyoming’s quarterback Josh Allen is all but a lock to be a first round pick in next years NFL draft, so in this instance Rugamba’s absence could loom large.

Rugamba finished second for the Hawkeyes in interceptions in 2016 with 2 behind former Jim Thorpe Winner Desmond King and safety Brandon Snyder (3). The true freshmen Rugamba also had 19 tackles in his first year in Iowa City.

Unless Wyoming’s run defense, which ranked 92nd in the country last season, drastically improved overnight, Akrum Wadley and the Hawkeyes should still be able to handle the Cowboys fairly easily. But Wyoming’s path to victory was always going to be through the air with Allen, and that path just got a lot easier without Rugamba in the fold.

Not being able to suit up for the opener as well will be Wyoming Wr James Price. Price had 6 catches for 75, and no touchdowns last season for the Cowboys.

Sophomore Michael Ojemudia will presumably start in Rugamba’s place, while true freshman Matt Hankins figures to slide in as the nickelback. Rugamba should be back on the field in time for the annual matchup against the Cyclones in Week 2.