After appearing in just seven games and almost exclusively as a specialist in 2021, Cooper DeJean turned in one of the best seasons by a Hawkeye defensive back in program history last season.
The numbers back that claim up. The 6-foot-1, 207 pound defensive back intercepted five passes, returning three of them for touchdowns. Those three pick-sixes represent an Iowa single-season record.
As he arrived in Indianapolis on Wednesday for Big Ten media days, DeJean did so as the media’s pick for preseason Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year.
With both Butkus Award-winning linebacker Jack Campbell and third-round NFL draft pick Riley Moss moving on, the role of leading the Hawkeyes seemingly falls in DeJean’s lap. It also paves the way for DeJean to be arguably Iowa’s biggest star on either side of the football.
Asked by Big Ten Network host Dave Revsine how it feels to be the center of the spotlight, DeJean wasn’t focused on shining the light upon himself.
“It’s cool I guess, but, I mean, I’m just focused on what I can do this season to help this team win football games. I’ve been focusing a lot this offseason on just trying to be a better football player all around.
“I think Riley Moss as you mentioned has helped out a lot with that. Just all the things I’ve learned from him and coach Parker as well. Just all the things I’ve learned and trying to bring these younger guys in our DB room along as well,” DeJean said of his rise to fame.
Rather than first-team All-American status or the league’s highest defensive honor, DeJean is genuinely centered on what it will take to lead Iowa back to Indy for the Big Ten’s most important game in late December.
“Yeah, I think just trying to be better than we were last year. We brought some guys in that will help us out with that. Obviously, you talk about Cade (McNamara). Nick Jackson on the defensive side. I think those are two great guys along with the other guys that we brought in and the guys that we still have. You know, I think just focusing on this summer getting better. Bigger, faster, stronger. That’s what we harp on at Iowa and I think a lot of the guys are hungry this season,” DeJean said of what can guide this team back to Indianapolis for the Big Ten Championship game.
As one of the Hawkeyes’ top defenders from a season ago, DeJean got a front row seat to greatness. Iowa finished second in both total and scoring defense in 2022. Of course, DeJean was as big a piece of that puzzle as anybody else. It came with demands, though.
“Yeah, I think it starts with what he expects of our defense. He expects perfection from our defense and that’s what we strive for. He’s a very intense guy. Our practices are really intense. We’re hitting every single day, but just being in the meeting room with him, out on the practice field just learning from him, he’s a great coach and it’s an honor to play for him,” DeJean said of Iowa defensive coordinator Phil Parker.
It’s an expectation that DeJean and Iowa welcome.
“It puts a lot of pressure on you, but that’s what we love. We just try to go out there and play our best each and every week,” DeJean said.
With expectations revved up on this Iowa team and on himself, DeJean stays grounded through his appreciation for the opportunity he’s earned.
“I really appreciate all the support I get from the people back home. Not only in Odebolt, but the four communities that my high school is made up of. So, that means a lot to me.
“It’s a dream come true. As soon as I got the Iowa offer, I knew this is where I wanted to be. Growing up an Iowa fan, being in Kinnick Stadium, watching those guys that came before me play, so it really is a dream come true and it’s been a lot of fun,” DeJean said.
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