Vanderbilt’s defensive backfield just got a boost for next season as Nashville native and Illinois graduate transfer Cameron Watkins has announced he will finish his collegiate career as a member of Derek Mason’s Commodore program.

Watkins picked Vanderbilt over Iowa State after appearing in 20 games spanning the previous two seasons for Illinois. During his time in the Big Ten, Watkins registered 98 tackles, nine pass breakups, one interception and one forced fumble.

The senior becomes the fifth graduate transfer to join Vanderbilt this offseason with potential starting quarterback Riley Neal, from Ball State, headlining the program’s offseason additions via transfer.

The 6-foot-1, 200-pound Watkins announced his decision with the following message on Twitter:

“First off I want to thank both Iowa State and Vanderbilt’s coaching staffs.. Both have been incredible throughout this entire process and I can’t appreciate and thank them enough for believing in my talent and my character to be an asset to not only the team but the university as well..

“But with that being said I have decided to come home and finish my last year of eligibility with Vanderbilt.. Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this process and been following since day 1 and one last thank you to everyone at Iowa State those guys are tremendous coaches and even better people. Please respect my decision and #AnchorDown”

Here is a video of Watkins making an interception for Illinois: