For a season that was carried by incredible defensive and special teams efforts, it is only right that those top performers are rewarded with recognition. The Iowa Hawkeyes have four players receiving notoriety for their efforts.
Four Iowa Hawkeyes have been named as Associated Press All-Americans. The representatives are cornerback Cooper DeJean, punter Tory Taylor, linebacker Jay Higgins, and defensive back Sebastian Castro.
4️⃣ Hawkeyes voted as @AP All-Americans.
𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗺@cdejean23
Tory Taylor𝗦𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗱 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗺@_jhigg
𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗿𝗱 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗺@castro2x5#Hawkeyes
— Hawkeye Football (@HawkeyeFootball) December 11, 2023
Cooper DeJean and Tory Taylor find themselves as AP First-Team All-Americans. DeJean, despite missing the final two games with a leg injury, recorded 41 tackles to go with five pass breakups and two interceptions. Tory Taylor dominated the punting conversation in America averaging 47.9 yards per punt with 36 punts beyond 50 yards and 30 of them dropped inside the opposing 20-yard line.
Jay Higgins had a monster year and was named as an AP Second-Team All-American linebacker. Higgins was everywhere for the Hawkeyes this year tallying 155 tackles, an interception, two fumble recoveries, and a forced fumble. His presence in the middle of the defense was critical.
Sebastian Castro is the fourth Hawkeyes to receive honors. He was named an AP Third-Team All-American defensive back which is rather incredible considering this was his first year getting this much time. He had 61 tackles, three interceptions, and eight pass breakups.
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