Iowa defensive back Cooper DeJean talks with other members of the secondary during spring practice the morning of March 30, 2023 at the program's indoor facility in Iowa City, Iowa. (Rob Howe/HawkeyeNation.com)
Iowa Post-Spring Position Analysis - CB
IOWA CITY, Iowa - Iowa's defense is thriving for plenty of reasons. Stabilization at cornerback certainly is one of them.
The Hawkeyes continue receiving strong play at the position even when talented guys depart. They'll be replacing 2021 Big Ten defensive back of the year Riley Moss, who's expected to hear his name in the NFL Draft next week.
That's the bad news. The good news outweighs it.
Media first-team All-Big Ten performer Cooper DeJean returns for his true junior season. Fourth-year junior Jermari Harris, who started six games in '21, comes back after losing last season. Depth remains a question mark.
To say DeJean (6-1, 209) broke out last season would be an understatement. The Odebolt, Iowa native transformed from role player to star.
He set an Iowa mark with three Pick-6s among his five interceptions last Fall. He also recorded 13 passes-defended, and was named program's special teams player of year and the Music City Bowl MVP.
DeJean should further solidify his standing in '23. Statistical regression could come through offenses avoiding him, but that doesn't decrease his value. He would be locking down a side of the field unchallenged.
Opponents might not find better success throwing Harris' way. The Chicago product is working his way back and sharpening his skills this Spring.
Harris (6-1, 190) was named the program's "next-man in" award winner for '21. He stepped in for injured starter Matt Hankins, recording four interceptions and eight pass-breakups. He played his best game against Kentucky in the Citrus Bowl, where he posted a pick, six tackles and broke up two passes.
DeJean and Harris are complete corners. They can compete in man or zone defense as cover guys with size to support the run.
We'll find out if others on the depth chart can make that claim. It's an inexperienced group.
Second-year players T.J. Hall and Deshuan Lee were listed as second-teamers on the pre-Spring depth chart. Hall burned a redshirt in '21, mostly seeing action on special teams. Nebraska picked on him during the regular-season finale when DeJean left with an injury.
Hall wouldn't be the first player to bounce back from a rough start. The Californian has the coaches' confidence and plenty of time.
He and Lee looked much more comfortable during open practice time this Spring. Hall worked quite a big with the first-team defense with Harris still working his way back.
Redshirt junior Brenden Deasfernandes was listed as a second-team corner coming out of Spring practice '21. An injury limited him to one contest in the Fall. His classmate, A.J. Lawson, has yet to see game action for the Hawkeyes.
Walk-on Jamison Heinz also saw action against Nebraska in DeJean's absence. The Humboldt, Iowa product switched from receiver to cornerback before Spring practice in '21 and appeared in all 13 games last season, mainly on special teams. He was playing safety during Saturday's practice, however.
Deavin Hilson switched from running back to the secondary during the Fall. The Des Moines North graduate was lining up at cornerback on Saturday.
A portal addition this week could make sense considering no '23 true freshmen are projected as cornerbacks right now.
