Recently, there was a buzz as Iowa Hawkeyes athlete Cooper DeJean challenged Caitlin Clark, the standout of Iowa women’s basketball, to a one-on-one matchup.
DeJean, who recently joined the Philadelphia Eagles, revealed that Clark responded to his remarks, sparking further interest.
According to DeJean, Clark privately messaged him, expressing her doubts about his claims. Despite her response, DeJean emphasized his respect for Clark’s contributions to women’s basketball and the University of Iowa. He acknowledged her as a remarkable player and welcomed the challenge with enthusiasm.
DeJean’s own basketball skills came into focus during the discussion, with attention drawn to his impressive performances in high school. This exchange has ignited speculation about the outcome of a potential matchup between DeJean and Clark on the court, adding an exciting twist to the conversation surrounding both athletes.
Eagles rookie DB Cooper DeJean basketball highlights. 😱 pic.twitter.com/LNwrocLTCR
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) May 8, 2024
DeJean’s journey into sports took an unexpected turn when he entered high school, initially eyeing basketball as his primary pursuit. However, fate seemed to have a different plan as his talents found a better fit in football, eventually leading him to be selected as the 40th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft by the Philadelphia Eagles.
Despite DeJean’s undeniable basketball skills, his transition to football surprised many draft analysts, who expected him to excel as one of the top cornerbacks in the draft.
Concerns about DeJean’s athleticism lingered among analysts and Eagles fans, especially considering his background in basketball. Yet, his athleticism shines through, evident not only in his football prowess but also in his impressive basketball highlights.
Although DeJean didn’t showcase his speed at the NFL Scouting Combine, his 4.42-second 40-yard dash at Iowa’s Pro Day solidified his athletic credentials, reflected in a commendable Relative Athletic Score (RAS) of 9.85. Despite doubts stemming from his appearance, DeJean’s RAS score aligns closely with that of seasoned Eagles cornerback James Bradberry, known for his Pro Bowl and All-Pro accolades.
Moreover, DeJean’s proficiency as a returner adds another dimension to his value for the Eagles, particularly with recent changes in NFL return rules. Despite past injury setbacks, many analysts view DeJean’s selection as a steal for the Eagles, underscoring his potential impact on the field.
