Cooper DeJean

Cooper DeJean was a four-star recruit coming out of Ida Grove Battle Creek High School and the No. 5 prospect in Iowa's 2021 recruiting class. He earned first-team all-state honors during his final three seasons in the high school ranks and saw action in seven games during his freshman season for the Hawkeyes. DeJean was a first-team All-Big Ten pick and the MVP of the Music City Bowl in 2022. He racked up 75 tackles, snagged five interceptions for 91 yards and three touchdowns, and recorded eight pass breakups. The five interceptions ranked second in the league and 11th in the nation. DeJean also developed as a threat on special teams, especially at punt returner. During the 2023 season, DeJean continued to be one of the most dominating defensive players in the Big Ten, even though teams would avoid throwing in his general direction. Unfortunately, his junior season was cut short after suffering a season-ending leg injury in mid-November. Even with the injury, he was named a finalist for the Nagurski Award and is also a semifinalist for the Jim Thorpe, Lott IMPACT and Bednarik awards.