Cooper DeJean was born on February 9, 2003, in the small town of Odebolt, Iowa. Since his childhood, it was evident that this young man was gifted in sports. At OA-BCIG High School in Ida Grove, he was a dual-threat sensation, thrilling as both a quarterback and a defensive back. His senior year was nothing short of spectacular: he threw for 3,447 yards and 35 touchdowns, while his athleticism carried him to 1,235 rushing yards and 24 touchdowns.
DeJean was electrifying on the field as he led his team to back-to-back state championships, earning him the honor of All-American Bowl Adidas Player of the Year in 2021. It earned him the nickname for always rising to the occasion, making him a household name within Iowa high school football.
He took his talent to the University of Iowa, where he put on the colors of the Hawkeyes and immediately began making an impact. As a freshman in 2021, he flashed his potential on special teams before breaking out as a starter in 2022. His versatility became his calling card as he played cornerback, cash—a hybrid linebacker/safety position—and even contributed as a punt returner.
One of his most memorable moments came during the Music City Bowl against Kentucky, where he not only intercepted a pass but returned it for a touchdown and earned MVP honors. By 2023, DeJean was turning heads nationally; despite fighting injuries, he earned unanimous All-American status and was named Big Ten Defensive Back of the Year. His college career was filled with great plays that kept the fans on the edge of their seats.
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In 2024, the hard work paid off for Cooper DeJean when he was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the second round of the NFL Draft as the 40th overall pick. The excitement was palpable for his debut, as fans wondered how this dynamic player would make the transition to the professional level.
He made his first start in Week 6 of the season at the nickel corner position, which showcased that he was ready to go against some of the best athletes in football. At 6 feet tall and roughly 203 pounds, DeJean has size combined with athleticism, which is a pretty dangerous combination on the field.
What separates Cooper DeJean from other players is his ability to play multiple positions masterfully. He seamlessly blends in as a cornerback and is a strong safety—one that any defense would love to have on its roster. DeJean's ball skills are on point; during college, he accrued seven interceptions that spoke to his ability to diagnose plays and capitalize on mistakes.
Regarding tackling, DeJean will go down with authority as often as possible. His agility enables him to work his way around traffic and therefore is one such player who can change any game's course.
While Cooper DeJean has many strengths, there are aspects of his game that require refinement. One area for improvement is his hip flexibility, which can impact his effectiveness in man coverage situations against quicker receivers.
Additionally, while he has shown promise in tracking deep passes, consistency remains key as he faces faster opponents at the NFL level. Recognizing these areas for growth will be crucial as he continues to develop into a top-tier player.
Expectations run deep with Cooper DeJean as this bright young talent begins his journey into professional football with the Philadelphia Eagles. With an excellent high school and collegiate background, a relentless work ethic, and a passion for the game, DeJean is well-placed to bring an added dimension to his team's performance. Fans are salivating at the prospect of seeing him work his way onto the pitch, determined to make his mark on the NFL landscape.
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