Cooper DeJean to miss the rest of 2023 season
The rumors swirled all day that Cooper DeJean had suffered a lower leg injury that could potentially end his 2023 season. On Wednesday evening, Kirk Ferentz confirmed the unfortunate news that his All American cornerback would be out for the rest of the year.
“This is truly heartbreaking for Cooper,” Ferentz said. “He has played extremely well and is a real playmaker on our team. We will all support Cooper during his recovery, which will continue into the new year.
“This has been a season filled with challenges for our team. I am proud of how our players have responded with tremendous grit and determination. We are focused on Saturday,” added Ferentz.
DeJean is one of the nation’s top college football players in 2023. He is a finalist for the Nagurski Award and is also a semifinalist for the Jim Thorpe, Lott IMPACT and Bednarik awards.
The Odebolt, Iowa, played nearly 400 snaps in coverage this season without giving up a touchdown. He leads the Hawkeyes in pass break-ups (5), is second in interceptions (2) and seventh in tackles (41) in 2023.
DeJean leads the Big Ten and ranks 13th nationally with an 11.5 punt return average. He had a 70-yard game-deciding touchdown late in the fourth quarter against Michigan State.
Iowa is expected to start Deshaun Lee in his place at cornerback. Lee started the first two games of the season in place of Jermari Harris, who was out due to a sports gambling suspension. Lee has 16 tackles and a pair of passes broken up this season.
DeJean joins a long list of standout Iowa players who have seen their season cut short due to injury. Quarterback Cade McNamara and tight end Erick All suffered torn ACL’s and tight end Luke Lachey suffered a broken angle earlier this year.
