Being called “freaky” or called a “freak” in football is one of the adjectives of the game that, while normally can shed a negative light, is a term of endearment. The Iowa Hawkeyes have athletes and players that fit this build.
Each year, The Athletic releases its list of the top 100 “freaks” in college football. These are the top 100 players that bring an immense amount of athleticism combined with skill to the game that sets them apart. The Hawkeyes have two players on The Athletic’s college football Freaks List of 2023 (subscription required).
14. Cooper DeJean, Iowa, defensive back
Safety? Corner? Linebacker? The 6-1, 210-pound junior can do it all for the ferocious Hawkeyes defense. DeJean exploded onto the Big Ten scene last year, setting an Iowa record with three pick sixes among his five interceptions last year. He also made 75 tackles and three TFLs. The former high school quarterback (who also lettered three times in basketball, track and baseball each) won the Iowa state long jump title (23-7 1/2 inches) and 100 meters (11.16) and has continued to get more explosive since he’s been in college.
This offseason, he spent a week with NFL combine trainer Jordan Luallen, who clocked DeJean at 0.92 in his flying 10s and had him at 2.39 in his 20-yard sprint out of a two-point stance. “His numbers were insane,” Luallen says. “He has the capability of breaking 4.3 (in the 40) at 210 pounds.”
Luallen has worked with a bunch of Freaky athletes who have gone on to the NFL. He says DeJean has a unique blend of a football freak with track skills. “His acceleration is incredibly fluid and super powerful. He’s the best athlete I’ve seen in person, pound for pound.” – Feldman, The Athletic
DeJean showed his ability to make freakishly athletic plays last year on defense, punt returning and covering punts. His testing numbers speak for themselves. Getting stamped as the best athlete pound for pound by a trainer who spends his life around NFL athletes is as high of a compliment that a “freak” can get.
52. Logan Jones, Iowa, center
A former state champ in the shot put and discus in Iowa, Jones, a 6-3, 290-pound converted defensive lineman is high on the Hawkeyes’ lifting board with the second best hang-clean — behind Freaks alum Tristan Wirfs at 465 — and recently squatted 700 pounds to set the Iowa record. The Hawkeyes’ starting center also vertical —jumped 36 inches. He and teammate Gennings Dunker both broke the all-time Solon Beef Days hay bale toss record by going 14 feet. Dunker ultimately won with a throw of 14-6.
Expected to take the next step for Iowa as the commander of their offensive line, Logan Jones possesses all of the athletic intangibles one could need. He moves weight in the weight room, is agile and has classic Iowa farm strength. Jones is next up to be the anchor of the Hawkeyes’ offensive line.
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