INDIANAPOLIS — Standout Iowa corner Cooper DeJean, a top prospect in this year’s draft cycle, told media Thursday at the NFL Combine that the injury he sustained in practice on Nov. 15 was a fractured fibula.
“Mid-November I had surgery [and] I’ve been rehabbing ever since,” said DeJean. “Just started running full speed last week.”
Iowa head football coach Kirk Ferentz announced the injury the day it occurred, describing a “lower leg” injury but offering no diagnosis. No timetable for DeJean’s recovery was provided at the time other than the fact that he would be sidelined for the remainder of the season.
DeJean told media that while he doesn’t expect to participate in Iowa’s Pro Day, he plans to work out for NFL teams shortly before the draft.
“I’ll work out sometime before the draft,” said DeJean. “Early April.”
DeJean played nearly 400 coverage snaps for the Hawkeyes in 2023 without allowing a single touchdown. He recorded 41 tackles, two interceptions and five PBUs on the year, and is regarded by many as a top defensive back in the 2024 class. DeJean is also an accomplished punt returner, finishing the season ranked second in the Big Ten with an average of 11.5 yards per return.