CB – Emmanuel Rugamba – Miami (OH)/Iowa – RS SR – 5’11 – 194lbs
Overview: Emmanuel Rugamba is a solid cover cornerback that can also make tackles in the open field. He is dynamic in coverage and is great at using his lower body to stop on a dime and drive up the field towards the receiver. He has a smooth back pedal that can transition into a full sprint. He’s quicker than most receivers he covers, so he has the advantage of playing more instinctively. He is able to do well against bigger wideouts because of his tackling ability. He’s not afraid to step up and make a tackle or blitz the quarterback. Strength should be talked about when evaluating Rugamba’s game. You will not see him get out muscled at the line of scrimmage. He has natural strength that has elevated his game in his senior season. He has a real feel for what the receiver will do when he drops in coverage and it shows up when evaluating his film. Rugamba will find a camp and get a chance with a National Football League team. 6th round grade.
Background: In 2019, Rugamba was third team All-MAC and MAC Championship Defensive Player of the Game. He played in 13 games and finished the year with 85 tackles, 3.0 tackles for loss, one interception and eight pass break-ups. Rugamba transferred to Miami (Ohio) in 2018 and missed the season due to transfer rules. In 2017 at Iowa, Rugamba was named Preseason fourth team All-Big Ten by Athlon Sports. During the season, Rugamba recorded 36 tackles, four pass break-ups and one recovered fumble. As a Freshman at Iowa in 2016, Rugamba saw action in 12 games. In those games, he recorded 13 solo tackles and six assists, along with two interceptions, and four pass break-ups. Rugamba went to Naperville Central for high school. He was named Chicago Tribune first-team all-state and he was a team captain as a senior.. He was unanimous first-team all-conference and all-area as a senior. He had 112 receptions for 1,615 yards and 11 touchdowns and on defense recorded 30 solo tackles and 15 assists with six interceptions and eight pass break-ups as a senior. The team posted a 10-2 record and reached the state quarterfinals when he was a senior. He also reached the state quarterfinals as a junior with a 9-3 record. Rugamba was fortunate to be a member of the state championship team as a sophomore. He is the son of Daniella Umutanguha. He is a sport leadership and management major. https://miamiredhawks.com/sports/football/roster/emmanuel–rugamba/6499
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