Cooper DeJean – Iowa Hawkeyes Quarterback Profile
If you follow college football, you’ve probably heard the name Cooper DeJean. The 2023‑24 Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback is turning heads with his strong arm, quick feet, and calm poise under pressure. In this guide we break down who he is, what he’s done so far, and why fans are excited about his future.
Who is Cooper DeJean?
Cooper grew up in Sioux City, Iowa, where he starred at Sioux City East High School. He was a dual‑sport athlete, playing both football and baseball, but his love for the gridiron was clear. Recruiting rankings put him as a three‑star prospect, but Iowa’s coaching staff saw his work ethic and leadership potential.
He committed to the Hawkeyes in 2020 and spent his first two seasons learning the system from the sidelines. When starter Spencer Petras left for the NFL, DeJean got his chance as a true freshman and never looked back.
What has he done on the field?
DeJean’s first start came against Purdue, where he threw for 250 yards and two touchdowns while adding 60 rushing yards. He showed he can make accurate short throws and stretch the defense with his legs. By the end of his red‑shirt freshman year, he posted a 65% completion rate and a 6.5 YPA (yards per attempt), numbers that rank him among the top first‑year quarterbacks in the Big Ten.
One of his most talked‑about games was the win over Illinois, where he led a 78‑yard drive in the final two minutes to secure a 24‑20 victory. Fans loved how he stayed cool, called audibles, and delivered a perfect pass on a sideline route. That drive earned him “Player of the Week” honors and put his name into the NFL conversation.
Besides passing, DeJean is a threat on the ground. He averages 3.8 rushing yards per carry and has a handful of long runs that keep defenses guessing. His ability to pick up yards after contact makes him a versatile weapon in Iowa’s run‑pass option offense.
Statistically, he finished his sophomore campaign with 2,800 passing yards, 24 passing TDs, and only eight interceptions. Those numbers show he’s improving year over year, and the Hawkeyes’ offense is moving toward a balanced attack that could challenge for the conference title.
Why does he matter to Iowa and the NFL?
For the Hawkeyes, DeJean gives them a home‑grown quarterback who can stay for multiple seasons. That stability helps the coaching staff plan recruiting and play‑calling around his skill set. It also means Iowa can remain competitive in a league that often leans on strong passing games.
Meanwhile, NFL scouts are paying attention. DeJean’s size (6’2”, 215 lb) is ideal for a pro quarterback, and his quick decision‑making fits the modern, fast‑tempo offenses. Some analysts rank him as a top‑10 prospect for the 2025 draft, though he still needs to prove consistency against top‑tier defenses.
Injuries have been minimal, but his biggest challenge could be handling the pressure of a full season as the clear starter. If he can keep the ball clean and stay healthy, the next step will be leading Iowa in a bowl game and showcasing his talent on a national stage.
Bottom line: Cooper DeJean is the kind of quarterback who makes every snap matter. Whether you’re an Iowa fan, a neutral college football watcher, or an NFL scout, you’ll want to keep an eye on his progress this season. Follow the Hawkeyes on game day, check out his highlights on the team’s website, and get ready for what could be a breakout year for this promising young player.
Kieran Lockhart, Feb, 10 2025
On his 22nd birthday, Cooper DeJean, a rookie cornerback for the Philadelphia Eagles, scored a historic pick-6 in Super Bowl LIX. This key play contributed to the Eagles' 17-0 lead over the Kansas City Chiefs, celebrating an unforgettable victory. DeJean is the first player since 1998 to achieve this on his birthday, echoing Reggie Phillips' rookie milestone as a Super Bowl pick-6 scorer.
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