Iowa’s defensive back group last season was responsible for 12 interceptions and 37 passes defended. The bulk of that production came from Riley Moss and Kaevon Merriweather, who are both off to the next level. They combined for four interceptions and 14 passes defended. Both defenders were named to the All-Conference team and will require significant production replacement.
Cornerbacks
However, this season’s defensive secondary has, arguably, the most returning talent on the team, and could again be one of the best in the nation. It’s led by Cooper DeJean, a junior from Ida Grove, Iowa. His production last season was among the most significant on the entire team. He returned punts, was a gunner on the punt team, and played lights-out at cornerback. DeJean’s five interceptions led the Hawkeyes, and he returned three of them for touchdowns. He also had eight passes defended and led all Iowa defensive backs with 75 tackles. DeJean is one of the most impactful football players to step inside Kinnick Stadium, and he’ll be the group’s veteran next season.
Opposite of DeJean at cornerback is likely going to be Jermari Harris, the senior from Chicago. Harris did not see any action in 2022 as he dealt with a season-long injury. In 2021, his role increased significantly after injuries to Moss and Terry Roberts. He sprung into starting action against Wisconsin in week nine. In the remaining seven games, he recorded four interceptions, two pass breakups, and allowed only one touchdown. Harris was ready to step into the full-time role last year, but he was forced to wait until 2023. With Roberts transferring to Miami and Moss on to the next level, Harris is the guy.
Safety
Merriweather had his best season in a Hawkeye uniform last year with three picks, a forced fumble, and a fumble returned for a touchdown. His departure is significant, but the young talent in the secondary is impressive. It begins with Xavier Nwankpa, a true sophomore, and former five-star recruit. He saw action in all 13 games as a true freshman and got his first start in the Music City Bowl against Kentucky. He filled in for Merriweather who opted out to prepare for the NFL Draft. His primary production came on special teams, but he shined at safety on New Year’s Eve. Nwankpa recorded a career-high eight tackles and returned his first career interception for a touchdown. It was easy to see the talent he brings to the secondary in just one game, and he’ll step up as a full-time guy on defense this season.
At free safety, redshirt senior Quinn Schulte will become a second-year starter. He started all 13 games last season and played for much of the 2021 season as well. Schulte was productive, recording 76 total tackles, six passes defended, and an interception. His veteran presence combined with the younger talent of Nwankpa at safety will be extremely impactful.
The Two Deeps
Iowa has made some noise in defensive recruiting these last few years, and its two-deep talent speaks to that. TJ Hall was another highly-rated defensive back who saw action as a true freshman last year. He was one of eight true freshmen to see action, and he played in all 13 games. Hall saw his most playing time against Nebraska last year after DeJean went down with an injury. He struggled, giving up two touchdowns, but his speed and football instincts are there. He’ll develop behind two proven cornerbacks in DeJean and Harris this season.
Jamison Heinz will likely be the other backup cornerback next season. The junior and former walk-on from Humboldt, Iowa saw action in all 13 games last season, recording nine total tackles and a pass breakup. Last year was his first game-action, and his limited production was promising. 21 of his 30 total coverage snaps came against Nebraska in the final regular season game of the year. That’s where he tallied six of his tackles and his pass breakup.
Iowa Position Preview: Defensive Back
In the defensive secondary, Iowa is losing two of its best players in recent years. Moss and Merriweather combined for 909 coverage snaps in 2022. Their presence accounted for much of the defense’s production. However, they leave behind a group of talented athletes ready to step into the everyday role. DeJean is proven, and Harris will be healthy for 2023 with starting experience. At safety, veteran Schulte has 13 starts under his belt and will line up with the former number-one defensive back recruit in 2022. With another year of Spring practice getting underway this week, Phil Parker’s group of defensive backs might be one of the nation’s best once again.
Photo courtesy: Bryon Houlgrave/The Register / USA TODAY NETWORK
