Cooper DeJean is an American football cornerback who played his college football for the Iowa Hawkeyes football team representing the University of Iowa. Originally from Breaux Bridge, Louisiana, DeJean attended OA-BCIG, a consolidated school in Ida Grove, Iowa. At OA-BCIG, he excelled as both a quarterback and defensive back and has achieved numerous awards and accolades throughout his high school career.
In 2021, Cooper DeJean embarked on a new chapter in his football career, committing to play college football for the University of Iowa. His decision marked the beginning of what promised to be a remarkable collegiate journey.
During his time at Iowa, as a true freshman in 2021, he played in seven games, primarily on special teams, and tallied four tackles. And he earned a starting role in his sophomore year in 2022. In the 2023 season, he was named a unanimous consensus All-American, Tatum-Woodson Big Ten Defensive Back of the Year, and Rodgers-Dwight Big Ten Return Specialist of the Year. His impressive performance also led to him being a finalist for prestigious awards such as the Bronko Nagurski Trophy and Jim Thorpe Award.
After the 2023 season, DeJean declared for the 2024 NFL Draft where he was seen as a high prospect who could be selected in round two. He was eventually drafted with pick number 40 in round 2 by the Philadelphia Eagles.
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Cooper DeJean's Parents
Cooper DeJean's parents, Jason and Katie DeJean, have a strong athletic background, particularly in basketball. Both of them achieved All-American recognition during their college basketball careers, with Katie even earning the prestigious first-team All-American title. While proud of his achievements, Jason humorously acknowledges Katie's higher accolades.
Despite their basketball roots, Jason and Katie did not impose specific sports on Cooper. Instead, they encouraged him to explore various athletic pursuits. Jason aptly described their approach as "feeding" Cooper's natural athletic talent rather than instilling it. While Cooper excelled on the football field, his parents' support and diverse sports upbringing played a pivotal role in nurturing his athletic journey. As an assistant coach for the football team, Jason shared the family's aspirations of reaching the Northern Iowa Dome, a pinnacle in Iowa high school football.
Cooper DeJean Father
Jason DeJean is the father of Cooper DeJean. As for his professional life, he is working at Swanson Insurance as an insurance agent. He is also the owner of the company. He is originally from Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Before entering the insurance business, he owned and ran a bar as well as a restaurant, called CoBe’s for a couple of years. Jason DeJean graduated in 1997 from Huron University.
Cooper DeJean Mother
Katie DeJean is the mother of Cooper DeJean. She is a working professional who is currently working as an accountant at Swanson Insurance alongside her husband, Jason. She was born and brought up in Odebolt, Iowa, and majored in Sports Management from Briar Cliff University. She used to work in Sioux Falls which is most likely where she met her husband.
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What is the nationality of Cooper DeJean's parents?
Cooper DeJean's parents are both American citizens by birth. While his father is from South Dakota, his mother was born in Iowa.
College Career
Cooper DeJean's college career commenced when he committed to play football for the University of Iowa where he played on the Iowa Hawkeyes football team. This marked a significant transition from his standout high school football career, where he excelled as a wide receiver and starting quarterback. The University of Iowa presented a new platform for DeJean to showcase his versatile skills and continue his football journey.
With a promising future ahead, DeJean embarked on this collegiate chapter with determination, aiming to make an impact on the field and contribute to the Coyotes' football program while building on his already impressive athletic legacy. His overall performance over his collegiate career helped him become the number 4 cornerback off the board at the 2024 NFL Draft.
FAQs
A. Cooper DeJean's vertical jump is 38.5 inches. His 40-yard dash was 4.4 seconds.
A. In 2021, Cooper DeJean committed to playing college football for the University of Iowa.
A. Cooper DeJean is from Breaux Bridge, Louisiana, United States.
A. Cooper DeJean's major is Sports and Recreational Management at the University of Iowa.
A. Cooper DeJean was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in round 2 of the 2024 NFL Draft with pick number 40.