Cooper DeJean, the standout defensive back and return specialist from Iowa, announced his entry into the 2024 NFL Draft, marking the end of his impressive three-year run with the Hawkeyes. The 2023 unanimous All-American is highly regarded, expected to be a first-round pick at No. 22 overall and fourth in his position, according to CBS Sports’ 2024 NFL Draft prospect rankings.

Expressing his gratitude, the Sioux Falls, South Dakota native shared in a social media post, “These past three years have been filled with memories that will last a lifetime. Putting on the black and gold and playing in Kinnick Stadium has been a dream of mine since I was a little kid, and it has been everything I expected and more.”

DeJean’s stats at Iowa are impressive, with 120 tackles (88 solo), 13 pass breakups, seven interceptions, and three defensive touchdowns. As a return specialist on special teams, he contributed 426 return yards and an additional touchdown. His outstanding performances earned him first-team All-Big Ten honors in the past two seasons. His defensive peak came in 2022, recording 75 total tackles, eight pass breakups, five interceptions, and three touchdowns.

While DeJean’s 2023 season was cut short due to a broken leg in mid-November, it showcased his prowess on special teams, tallying 241 yards and a touchdown on punt returns. This added to his defensive contributions, including 41 tackles, five pass breakups, and two interceptions, as the Hawkeyes secured 10 wins and clinched their second Big Ten West Division title in three seasons.

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