Cooper DeJean named to 2023 Bednarik Award watch list

Iowa defensive back Cooper DeJean was named to the Bednarik Award watch list and looks to become the Hawkeyes’ first to win the award.

Iowa defensive back Cooper DeJean was placed on the watchlist for the prestigious Bednarik Award. The Maxwell Football Club announced their watchlist candidates for the 29th iteration of the award on Monday.

Few trophies are more distinguished in college football than the Bednarik Award. It is amply named after “Concrete Charlie” Chuck Bednarik, who was one of the greatest football players at both the collegiate and professional levels. One of the hardest hitters in football history, Bednarik was the last of the Iron Men, playing all 60 minutes on both sides of the ball throughout his career.

His namesake award was instituted in 1995 by the Maxwell Group. It is presented annually to the best defensive player in the nation. Many greats, including Charles Woodson, Julius Peppers, and Aaron Donald, have received the award. Will Anderson Jr. is the most recent recipient.

DeJean makes the list after a stellar sophomore season. He was a first-team All-Big Ten selection by the media and second team by the coaches in 2022 after finishing with 75 tackles, five interceptions and eight pass breakups.

Cooper is looking to become the first Iowa Hawkeye to win the award. The Hawkeyes have had eight semifinalists for the award since 2005. They include Jack Campbell last year, Daviyon Nixon in 2020, both Josh Jackson and Josey Jewell in 2017, Desmond King in 2016, Adrian Clayborn in 2010, Pat Angerer in 2009, and Chad Greenway back in 2005.

Earlier this month DeJean was named to the 2023 Bronko Nagurski Trophy, Jim Thorpe Award, and Paul Hornung Award watch lists.

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