Cooper DeJean, a versatile athlete from Odebolt, Iowa, quickly became a key figure in the Big Ten with his standout performances on defense, special teams, and even occasionally on offense. DeJean’s path to success was characterized by his adaptability, work ethic, and athleticism, which also made him a highly sought-after NFL prospect.
Cooper DeJean’s Humble Beginnings Power His Play
Before arriving on the college scene, DeJean was a star at OABCIG (Odebolt-Arthur-Battle Creek-Ida Grove) High School. He led his team to back-to-back state championships in football and was known for his dual-threat ability as a quarterback and his playmaking skills on defense.
DeJean’s high school numbers were staggering: He passed for over 3,000 yards and rushed for another 1,000 yards, accounting for more than 50 touchdowns in his senior season alone. He excelled as a safety and returned punts and kicks, showcasing his all-around skill set on defense.
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Despite his prowess at the high school level, DeJean wasn’t initially viewed as a highly-ranked prospect by national recruiting services, but the University of Iowa saw his potential.
His versatility and intelligence on the field made him a perfect fit for head coach Kirk Ferentz’s system, and he committed to the Hawkeyes as part of the 2021 recruiting class.
DeJean arrived at Iowa in 2021, and while he didn’t step into an immediate starting role, his impact was felt in various ways. As a freshman, DeJean played primarily on special teams and saw limited action in the secondary, but he quickly earned the trust of the coaching staff with his instincts, football IQ, and athleticism.
The Hawkeyes’ defensive coordinator, Phil Parker, known for developing elite defensive backs, began molding DeJean into a cornerback and safety hybrid. His versatility allowed Iowa to use him in different roles within their secondary, a hallmark of the program’s approach to defense.
During his freshman season, DeJean recorded several tackles and contributed on special teams, making his mark as a future star.
The 2022 season marked DeJean’s breakout. As a sophomore, he earned a starting role in the secondary, and it quickly became apparent that Iowa had a special player on its hands.
DeJean showcased his ability to cover receivers, stop the run, and create turnovers. His performance against some of the Big Ten’s top wide receivers proved that he could handle elite competition.
He recorded multiple interceptions during the season, including several key plays that turned the momentum in Iowa’s favor. His combination of speed, size (6’1″, 209 lbs), and ball skills made him a difficult matchup for opposing offenses. His performance earned him All-Big Ten recognition and solidified his status as one of the conference’s top defensive backs.
DeJean has earned multiple honors from us at College Football Network during his time at Iowa. In 2022, we recognized him as an All-Big Ten Special Teamer for his dynamic performances, including key contributions as a punt returner. By 2023, DeJean was named to our Midseason All-American team.
One of DeJean’s signature moments came in a game against Wisconsin when he intercepted a pass and returned it for a touchdown, showcasing his playmaking ability in a critical rivalry game. His knack for being in the right place at the right time became a trademark, and his ball-hawking skills were on full display throughout the 2022 season.
By the start of the 2023 season, DeJean had established himself as one of the most dynamic defenders in college football. Now a junior, DeJean entered the season on multiple watch lists for national awards, including the Jim Thorpe Award.
DeJean continued to elevate his game that season, not letting preseason hype get to him.
Not only was he a shutdown corner, but his versatility remained key for Iowa. He lined up in multiple positions, including safety and nickel cornerback, and his ability to cover receivers one-on-one allowed Iowa to play more aggressive schemes on defense.
DeJean’s leadership on and off the field also grew as he became one of the team’s captains, guiding a stout Iowa defense that remained among the best in the country.
His ability to affect games in multiple ways caught the attention of NFL scouts, and by midseason, DeJean was being touted as a potential early-round pick in the NFL Draft. In addition to his coverage skills, DeJean’s physicality and tackling made him one of the more complete defensive backs in the country.
He also contributed as a punt returner, where his speed and vision made him a threat to score every time he touched the ball.
DeJean’s career at Iowa will be remembered for his versatility, leadership, and game-changing ability. Whether it was creating turnovers, locking down opposing receivers, or making big plays on special teams, DeJean’s impact was felt in all three phases of the game.
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His development from a small-town Iowa high school star to one of the best defenders in college football is a testament to his work ethic and the coaching he received at Iowa.
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