When it’s all said and done, former Iowa Hawkeye Cooper DeJean is going to make some defensive coordinator and future NFL home very happy.
Unfortunately, due to injury, DeJean hasn’t been able to take part in this week’s 2024 NFL draft combine.
He did however speak at the NFL combine to update his recovery process. DeJean confirmed that he suffered a fractured fibula that ended his 2023 season with the Hawkeyes prematurely. He missed Iowa’s final four games due to injury.
The 6-foot-1, 203 pound defensive back said he has started to run at full speed again.
“I’ve been rehabbing ever since. Just started running full speed last week. I plan on working out at some point before the draft. … I am cleared. I’m just progressing right now,” DeJean said.
DeJean said he intends to have an on-campus workout for NFL teams before the April draft.
“I’ll work out some time before the draft … sometime definitely before the draft, early April. I just started running full speed last week, so I haven’t been able to train like I want to,” DeJean said.
In his Iowa career, DeJean registered 120 tackles, 20 pass breakups and seven interceptions. He returned three of those seven picks for touchdowns. DeJean also had a 70-yard punt return touchdown last season in Iowa’s 26-16 win over Michigan State.
A cornerback and punt returner at Iowa, DeJean showcased plenty of versatility with the Hawkeyes. He hopes that helps him at the next level.
“Being able to play multiple different positions, I think that’s an advantage coming into this league, to be able to play wherever they put me. It doesn’t matter to me, to be honest. I just want to play ball,” DeJean said.
Contact/Follow us @HawkeyesWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Iowa news, notes, and opinions.
Follow Josh on X: @JoshOnREF