Breaking down how Iowa could use Cooper DeJean like Travis Hunter

As Iowa continues to struggle offensively this season, it may want to consider giving Cooper DeJean a chance to show what he can do. DeJean currently plays cornerback and on special teams, but Tom Kakert of HawkeyeReport.com believes he could be used in a role similar to Colorado star Travis Hunter.

Hunter plays both cornerback and receiver for the Buffaloes, often playing upwards of 125 snaps per game. DeJean played more than 100 snaps in Week 4 against Penn State, prompting Kakert to ask him whether he would be comfortable doing that every game.

“He didn’t say no,” Kakert told On3‘s Andy Staples. “He kind of smiled. I think he would love to try and do it, but it’s gotta be something that the coaches want to draw up. It’d be interesting to throw him back there in the Wildcat a little bit and see what he can do. Maybe put him at receiver.

“He was a high school quarterback, as you might imagine playing 1A football in the state of Iowa, where your graduating class is probably about 50 kids in Ida Grove, Iowa. He had some phenomenal games in the state title games where he was the best player on defense. He made this miraculous game as an offensive player to win the game in the state title. He can do everything. So I’d love to see it.”

DeJean was listed as an athlete coming out of Battle Creek-Ida Grove High School, suggesting he could have played either side of the ball in college. A four-star recruit, he ranked as the No. 14 athlete in the 2021 cycle according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

However, he played mostly on defense since arriving in Iowa City. He has found success there as last season he recorded five interceptions — including a school-record three returned for a touchdown. He also serves as a punt returner on special teams, having already brought one back for a touchdown this season.

That gives Kakert belief that he could thrive offensively, too.

“He’s one of those ‘the ball seems to find that guy all the time’ players,” he said. “He had an interception in the game, his first of the year, against Michigan State. Caught that at the back of the end zone and made a really nice play to get his foot in to retain possession of the ball. He’s just dynamic with the ball in his hands. He’s gonna be potentially a first-round draft pick after this year if he wants to go pro.”

Iowa has been one of the worst offensive teams in the country the past two seasons, and currently ranks second-to-last in the country in total yards per game. That being the case, it would make sense to at least try experimenting with DeJean on offense.

Kakert doesn’t believe the role should be identical to Hunter’s at Colorado, but it wouldn’t hurt to sprinkle him in for a few plays each quarter to see what happens.

“I just don’t see why you wouldn’t pull the trigger on this and see what he can do in small settings on offense,” Kakert said. “I don’t think anybody’s advocating for Travis Hunter kind of snaps where he’s playing 127-130 snaps, but you could throw him out there for a couple plays in a series every quarter, every half. I think that would be interesting because they need more guys on offense who can make plays.”

Iowa is next set to face Purdue at 2:30 p.m. CT on Saturday at home.