Amani Hooker, Ihmir Smith-Marsette earn Big Ten awards
Hooker and Smith-Marsette took home individual awards on Tuesday, while other Hawkeyes earned spots on the All-Big Ten teams.
Iowa defensive back Amani Hooker intercepts a Maryland pass during a football game between Iowa and Maryland in Kinnick Stadium on Saturday, October 20, 2018. The Hawkeyes defeated the Terrapins, 23-0.
November 27, 2018
On Tuesday, defensive back Amani Hooker and wide receiver Ihmir Smith-Marsette earned respective player of the year awards in the Big Ten.
Hooker, a Minneapolis native, was named the Tatum-Woodson Big Ten Defensive Back of the Year after recording 4 interceptions, breaking up 7 passes, and ranking second on the team with 59 tackles. He made first-team All-Big Ten defense as well.
Meanwhile, Smith-Marsette was named the Rodgers-Dwight Return Specialist of the Year. The Newark, New Jersey, native has returned 19 kickoffs this season, averaging 29.3 yards per return (second in the country).
While Hooker and Smith-Marsette earned individual awards, other Hawkeyes saw their names on the Big Ten’s All-Defense team.
Defensive lineman A.J. Epenesa earned first-team All-Big Ten honors, joining Hooker. Fellow lineman Anthony Nelson earned second-team recognition by the conference and third-team by coaches.
Defensive tackle Matt Nelson, safety Jake Gervase, and kicker Miguel Recinos earned honorable-mention status from coaches and media, while defensive end Parker Hesse and safety Geno Stone were the media’s honorable mentions.
The Big Ten will announce its offensive award winners on Wednesday.