Cooper DeJean’s time at Iowa has come to an end.

A lockdown member of the elite Hawkeye secondary and a major contributor in the return game, DeJean confirmed on Thursday he is leaving the program to pursue the NFL Draft. With his skills in coverage and as a dynamic returner, DeJean should be a hot commodity for NFL teams leading up to the draft.

“These past 3 years have been filled with memories that will last a lifetime. Putting on the black and gold and playing in Kinnick Stadium has been a dream of mine since I was a little kid and it has been everything I expected and more,” DeJean wrote on social media.

“I want to thank Coach Ferentz for the special opportunity to play at the University of Iowa, Coach Parker for all he has taught me and for sharing the passion he has for the game and the rest of the staff who takes so much pride in teaching the game and doing things the right way.

“Thank you to my teammates for the many memories we have made together on-and-off the field. I am nothing without you guys… Thank you Hawkeye Nation for your continued support. It has been so much fun to play in front of the best fans in the country each and every week.

“With that being said, I am declaring for the 2024 NFL Draft.”

During the 2022 season, DeJean led the Hawkeyes with 5 interceptions, including 3 dramatic pick-6s. He also had 8 pass breakups and 75 total tackles.

Teams began targeting DeJean less in 2023, but he still registered 2 interceptions and 5 pass breakups while also delivering a game-winning punt return touchdown against Michigan State. He also delivered a massive punt return touchdown against Minnesota, but that score was called back in controversial fashion.

He leaves Iowa City as one of the most talented players in recent Hawkeye history. Best of luck to DeJean as he begins his career in the NFL!