Hawkeye Football: Iowa Star Cooper DeJean Suffers Season-Ending Injury

Kirk Ferentz confirms that Cooper DeJean’s season is over…

• By
  
  GlendaleHawk
  
• on November 15, 2023 8:18 pm

It seems that the era of Cooper DeJean at the University of Iowa has, in all likelihood, reached its end. The Iowa Athletic Department issued a statement late this afternoon confirming the rumors about an injury sustained by Iowa’s beloved player during practice on Wednesday.

Throughout the day, several reports hinted at anything from a bad case of turf toe to something more serious, and sadly, it appears he suffered a broken fibula during practice. This announcement came just hours after he was named as a finalist for the Bronko Ngurski Trophy (awarded to the best Defensive player in the country), which only adds insult to injury.

The announcement quoted Kirk Ferentz addressing the situation:

Initial reports suggest a recovery time of at least 6 weeks for this injury, so it’s possible (though unlikely) that he could make a comeback in time for Iowa’s bowl game, but there are no guarantees.

With DeJean out, RS freshman DeShaun Lee is the next man in at CB and will likely be starting opposite Jermari Harris. Lee showed flashes in his two starts but has played sparingly since Harris’ return. On the season, Lee has posted 16 tackles (9 solo) with two passes defensed.

As for DeJean, it’s highly likely that we’ve seen the last of him in an Iowa uniform. Currently projected as the #17 player (and #2 CB) in the upcoming NFL draft, it would take something approaching a miracle to get him back on the Kinnick stadium sidelines in 2024. He finishes 2023 having yet to allow a touchdown in 400 snaps in coverage, 41 tackles (26 solo), 2 INTs, and 2 punt returns for touchdowns.

Hopefully, this Iowa team can overcome one more massive injury and clinch the Western Division title Saturday when they face Illinois. Until then, enjoy this collection of Coop’s interceptions from last year:

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