Pair of Iowa Hawkeyes crowned as ESPN midseason All-Americans

Sure, it may just be the midway point of the college football season, but some have certainly gotten the job done better than others. Can they keep it up for the duration of the entire season? That is the true test.

For now, let’s acknowledge a couple of Iowa Hawkeyes stars that have stamped their imprint on nearly every game this season. Two of Iowa’s key contributors, punter Tory Taylor and defensive back Cooper DeJean, have been instrumental in Iowa’s success this year.

Taylor’s ability to flip field position and DeJean’s lockdown coverage have changed the complexion of entire games. Their work earned them a slot on the ESPN midseason All-American team.

Here’s what ESPN’s Chris Low had to say about Cooper DeJean.

CB: Cooper DeJean, Iowa

Since the beginning of last season, DeJean has seven interceptions, including two this season. Nobody else in the FBS ranks has more during that span. The 6-1, 207-pound junior is also strong against the run and ranks fourth on the team with 33 total tackles. DeJean has played 309 snaps this season in coverage without giving up a touchdown, and he returned a punt for a touchdown against Michigan State. – Chris Low, ESPN

Teams have begun to actively avoid DeJean when they drop back to pass. He has been good enough to make teams adjust their entire scheme and take away half of the field.

Add his electricity when he touches the ball as evinced by a punt return touchdown this year and three career interceptions returned for touchdowns, and you have a true game-changer.

And, what about Tory Taylor?

P: Tory Taylor, Iowa

The Hawkeyes are sitting atop the Big Ten West standings, and Taylor may be the MVP on a team that has struggled offensively. The 26-year-old Aussie is tied for the FBS lead with 45 punts. Only one of those has gone for a touchback, and he’s fourth nationally with a 48.3-yard average, with 17 punts downed inside the 20. He punted 10 times in the Hawkeyes’ 15-6 win over Wisconsin and kept the Badgers in bad field position all game. – Chris Low, ESPN

Taylor’s stats speak for themselves. He has a unique combination of leg strength that has produced the best punt average of his career and the ability to drop punts inside the 20-yard line.

There is no question these two will be called on to do much more for the Hawkeyes down the stretch as they chase a Big Ten West title in its final year of existence.

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