The Iowa Hawkeyes are truly blessed with the group they have manning the secondary. Cooper DeJean, Quinn Schulte, Jermari Harris, Xavier Nwankpa and Sebastian Castro have been nothing short of excellent in 2023.
DeJean burst onto the scene in 2022 with his innate ability to intercept the ball and make teams pay. Sebastian Castro has come into his own this year as an integral piece of Phil Parker’s defense playing the cash hybrid position.
The two are putting up eye-popping numbers so far this season. Per Pro Football Focus, the two have combined for 636 coverage snaps without allowing a touchdown. DeJean has gone 340 coverage snaps without allowing a score while Castro has lasted for 296 coverage snaps without allowing a touchdown.
For reference, the Hawkeyes offense has run 451 combined run and pass plays. These two have been lockdown and refuse to give up the big play.
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— PFF College (@PFF_College) November 2, 2023
Not allowing a touchdown isn’t all they do well, either. The duo sticks to receivers, tight ends and running backs like glue. DeJean has allowed a 42.1 passer rating when targeted. Castro takes it even lower, allowing a measly 35.8 passer rating when targeted.
Cade McNamara had a 106.2 passer rating before his injury and Deacon Hill has a 75.0 passer rating to provide context of the high level these two are covering wideouts.
On the season, DeJean has totaled 38 tackles, three pass breakups and two interceptions. Castro is right there with 37 tackles, 4 pass breakups and three interceptions.
Iowa fans need to enjoy these two while they are playing together. They are among the most talented secondary duos in America and their play week in and week out shouldn’t be taken for granted.
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