Smith-Marsette lands on Hornung Award Watch List
Ihmir Smith-Marsette found a place on the Paul Hornung Award Watch List for the most versatile player in college football.
Iowa wide receiver Ihmir Smith-Marsette breaks a tackle during the Outback Bowl game between Iowa and Mississippi State at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida on Tuesday, January 1, 2019. The Hawkeyes defeated the Bulldogs 27-22.
July 25, 2019
Ihmir Smith-Marsette joined in on the preseason watch-list fun on July 25, as the Hawkeye receiver and returner earned a place on the Paul Hornung Award Watch List. The honor is given to the most versatile player in college football.
Smith-Marsette picked up the Rodgers-Dwight Big Ten Return Specialist of the Year award last season after leading the Big Ten and ranking second in the nation with 29.5 yards per kick return.
Smith-Marsette, who finished last season 12th in the Big Ten in all-purpose yardage, set an Outback Bowl record with 150 kick-return yards in Iowa’s 27-22 win over Mississippi State.
The Newark, New Jersey, native also hauled in 23 passes for 361 yards and 3 touchdowns in 2018.
Smith-Marsette has already earned preseason recognition; he was named a first-team All-American by Athlon Sports and was added to the All-Big Ten preseason team by College Football News.
The past three winners of the award — Rondale Moore, Saquon Barkley, and Jabrill Peppers — have all come from the Big Ten.
The Paul Hornung Award Selection Committee will name 10 to 15 finalists on Nov. 11, and three finalists will advance on Nov. 14. The winner will be announced Dec. 1.