Michael Ojemudia wasn’t always the All-Big Ten player he proved to be this season.

A three-star recruit from Farmington Hills, Michigan, Ojemudia embodied the Hawkeye way.

He steadily climbed through the ranks in Iowa’s secondary to become a key piece and leader for one of the best defenses in the country.

“I think I’ve grown miles since I was a freshman,” he said. “It’s been a couple years — I’ve gotten better every year. I think just the work I’ve put in, the time I’ve put in the film room, I think that’s a testament to what you’re seeing on the field. I’m proud of myself right now, but I know I still have miles to go.”

Ojemudia leads Iowa with 3 interceptions, and he has broken up 7 passes.

His off-field performance has been just as important.

His ability to progress through the program serves as an example for younger athletes, and he has served as a leader for those in his position group.

Because of the work he has put in and the example he has displayed, Ojemudia was chosen by head coach Kirk Ferentz to represent Iowa at Big Ten media days in July.

Iowa thrives on turning lightly recruited players into legitimate playmakers at the Big Ten level.

Whether Desmond King or Josh Jackson, the Hawkeyes use strength training from Chris Doyle and coaching from Phil Parker to turn their prospects into stars.

A mechanical-engineering major, Ojemudia also found a way to balance a difficult academic area with climbing the ladder of football at a Big Ten program.

“He’s persistent,” Parker said. “He just kept on going to work.”

Along with Ojemudia, Geno Stone stepped up in the secondary in 2019 to help balance the unit.

When injuries struck the group early in the season, Ojemudia and Stone stabilized the back end of the defense.

They’ve been a necessity for Iowa.

That’s what Ojemudia needed to do in his final season.

“He’s a big part,” Stone said. “He’s probably one of the most experienced people with me. He’s done a lot of good things for us the past couple years. He’s actually grown a lot since I’ve been here.”

While Iowa needed him to step up, it wasn’t easy after everything Ojemudia had to go through.

Still, he’s found a way to persevere.

He developed the leadership traits necessary to lead a Hawkeye secondary that consistently boasts a game-changing player.

This year has been Ojemudia’s turn.

And just as he’s progressed on the field and in the weight room, he’s improved  his leadership abilities.

“It takes time,” Ojemudia said. “Some guys do it faster than others. You got to put time in the weight room, you got to put time on the field, you got to put time in the film room, so it’s not easy.”