AMES, Iowa – Iowa State junior defensive back Jeremiah Cooper has been named one of 42 candidates for the Lott IMPACT Trophy. The candidates for the trophy, in its 21^st season, were named to the list Thursday at a luncheon in Newport Beach, California.

The watch list is comprised of 18 defensive backs, 13 defensive linemen and 11 linebackers. Cooper is one of seven Big 12 players on the list.

Named after former NFL Hall of Fame star Ronnie Lott, The Lott Trophy annually goes to the Defensive IMPACT Player of the Year, a player who has had the biggest impact on his team both on and off the field. IMPACT stands for Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community and Tenacity, all characteristics exhibited by Lott during his illustrious playing career. 

Cooper, an El Paso, Texas, native and product of Andress High School, finished second among Big 12 players and sixth nationally with five interceptions, despite missing a pair of games due to injury. He was fourth nationally in passes defended per game (1.4), finishing the season with 15 total passes defended, including 10 pass breakups.

Cooper earned First Team All-Big 12 honors from the coaches and Associated Press in 2023 and was Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week after having two interceptions, including one that was returned 58 yards for a touchdown, against UNI.

He also tallied 45 tackles last season.

The annual winner is selected by a national voter panel, consisting of former winners, members of the media, coaches and members of the Board of Directors of The IMPACT Foundation. The winner will be announced at a gala, black-tie event at The Pacific Club in Newport Beach, California on December 8.