section_path: College career
section_name: College career
paragraph_text: College career
  
  As a true freshman at Iowa in 2021, DeJean played in seven games, mostly on special teams, and had four tackles. He became a starter his sophomore year in 2022. DeJean played cornerback, cash (a hybrid linebacker / safety position), and punt returner for the Hawkeyes in 2022, in addition to playing safety in the preseason. Against Wisconsin, DeJean showcased his versatility, intercepting a Graham Mertz pass and returning it 32 yards for a touchdown, recording 10 tackles, forcing a fumble, downing a punt on the one-yard line, and returning four punts for 82 yards, setting up a short Iowa touchdown drive. Through three quarters, DeJean was outgaining the Hawkeye offense. DeJean was named the MVP of the 2022 Music City Bowl after recording 7 tackles, a 14-yard interception return for a touchdown, and returning three punts for 42 yards.
  
  During the 2023 season, DeJean once again was a crucial part of Iowa's success. The Hawkeyes had a historically poor offense, but special teams and defense kept them in, and won them games. DeJean was not targeted as much, but registered three interceptions. He allowed only 22 receptions and no touchdowns during the season. DeJean was active in the return game, including the game-winning 70-yard return with three minutes left against Michigan State and a disallowed 54-yard return against rival Minnesota, which would have resulted in an Iowa lead. The referee's call of an invalid fair catch caused considerable controversy and prompted an explanatory conference call involving Big Ten and NCAA officiating personnel. DeJean suffered a leg injury in mid-November, sidelining him for the remainder of the season. Despite the setback, he was named unanimous consensus All-American and earned both the Tatum-Woodson Big Ten Defensive Back of the Year and Rodgers-Dwight Big Ten Return Specialist of the Year honors. He was also a finalist for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy and the Jim Thorpe Award.
  
  Dejean declared for the 2024 NFL draft following the 2023 season. After the season, Iowa defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach Phil Parker remarked, "I didn't see Nile Kinnick play, but he might be the modern-day Nile Kinnick."
  
  As a true freshman at Iowa in 2021, DeJean played in seven games, mostly on special teams, and had four tackles. He became a starter his sophomore year in 2022. DeJean played cornerback, cash (a hybrid linebacker / safety position), and punt returner for the Hawkeyes in 2022, in addition to playing safety in the preseason. Against Wisconsin, DeJean showcased his versatility, intercepting a Graham Mertz pass and returning it 32 yards for a touchdown, recording 10 tackles, forcing a fumble, downing a punt on the one-yard line, and returning four punts for 82 yards, setting up a short Iowa touchdown drive. Through three quarters, DeJean was outgaining the Hawkeye offense. DeJean was named the MVP of the 2022 Music City Bowl after recording 7 tackles, a 14-yard interception return for a touchdown, and returning three punts for 42 yards.
  
  During the 2023 season, DeJean once again was a crucial part of Iowa's success. The Hawkeyes had a historically poor offense, but special teams and defense kept them in, and won them games. DeJean was not targeted as much, but registered three interceptions. He allowed only 22 receptions and no touchdowns during the season. DeJean was active in the return game, including the game-winning 70-yard return with three minutes left against Michigan State and a disallowed 54-yard return against rival Minnesota, which would have resulted in an Iowa lead. The referee's call of an invalid fair catch caused considerable controversy and prompted an explanatory conference call involving Big Ten and NCAA officiating personnel. DeJean suffered a leg injury in mid-November, sidelining him for the remainder of the season. Despite the setback, he was named unanimous consensus All-American and earned both the Tatum-Woodson Big Ten Defensive Back of the Year and Rodgers-Dwight Big Ten Return Specialist of the Year honors. He was also a finalist for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy and the Jim Thorpe Award.
  
  Dejean declared for the 2024 NFL draft following the 2023 season. After the season, Iowa defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach Phil Parker remarked, "I didn't see Nile Kinnick play, but he might be the modern-day Nile Kinnick."