IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — Iowa defensive back Malik Rucker is leaving the program.

The Hawkeyes announced Tuesday that they have honored Rucker's request to be released from his scholarship so he can transfer to another school.

Rucker, a Minneapolis native, played sparingly as a redshirt freshman last season. He made appearances in six games, recording five tackles.

Iowa opens the 2015 season on Sept. 5 against Illinois State.

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