Iowa star cornerback and punt returner Cooper DeJean will miss the rest of the season after struggling an unspecified damage in observe, the team introduced Tuesday. DeJean, a junior, is a stalwart within the secondary for the No. 16 Hawkeyes and a key motive force at the back of the team’s No. 3 scoring protection.
“This is truly heartbreaking for Cooper,” Iowa trainer Kirk Ferentz mentioned. “He has performed extraordinarily neatly and is an actual playmaker on our team. We will all improve Cooper all through his restoration, which will proceed into the brand new yr.
DeJean, a CBS Sports/247Sports Preseason All-American, has two interceptions this season and 7 over the last two seasons. The Odebolt, Iowa, local emerged at the scene as one of the country’s best cornerbacks closing season when he returned 3 interceptions for touchdowns, and he has simplest solidified that recognition this season all through the Hawkeyes’ 8-2 get started.
Iowa can clinch a spot within the Big Ten Championship Game with a win over Illinois this week.
Without DeJean, Deshaun Lee may well be in line for a better function. The redshirt freshman stepped into the lineup within the season’s first couple of video games amid a suspension to starter Jermari Harris and held his personal. Lee collected 15 tackles and two move deflections as Iowa began 2-0 with wins over Utah State and rival Iowa State.
Iowa will additionally miss DeJean on particular groups, the place he shined as a returner over the last two seasons. DeJean returned a punt for a landing in opposition to Michigan State on Sept. 30 and in addition had a punt go back landing waved off in a 12-10 loss to Minnesota on Oct. 21 when the officiating group decided he signaled for a good catch.