Vikings Pick Newark High School Graduate In 2021 NFL Draft

NEWARK, NJ — A graduate of Weequahic High School in Newark was picked by the Minnesota Vikings last weekend in the 2021 NFL draft.

Ihmir Smith-Marsette, a wide receiver with Iowa State, was drafted with the no. 157 pick in the fifth round. He caught 106 passes in his Hawkeyes career, and could contend to be Minnesota’s No. 3 receiver, the Pine Journal reported.

According to his player bio on nfl.com:

"Ihmir Smith-Marsette (pronounced AH-meer Smith MAR-set) translated his all-purpose flair at Weequahic High School in New Jersey into similar production with the Hawkeyes. As a true freshman, he started in three of the 12 games he played (missing the Pinstripe Bowl due to an injury), contributing as a receiver (18-187-10.4, two TDs), runner (7-41-5.9) and kick returner (4-134-33.5). In Year 2, he was the Big Ten Return Specialist of the Year and his team's Special Teams Most Valuable Player, filling up the stat sheet even more (24-707-29.5 on kick returns; 23-361-15.7, three TDs receiving; 9-71-7.9 rushing). Prior to the 2019 campaign, Smith-Marsette actually promised that he would return a kickoff for a touchdown -- and made good with one in the regular-season finale, then added another in the team's bowl game. He was named honorable mention All-Big Ten pick after leading his squad in receiving yards and scores (44-722-16.4, five TDs), while continuing to contribute as a runner (11-108-9.8, two TDs) and kick returner (17-503-29.6). This past season, Smith-Marsette nabbed honorable mention All-Big Ten accolades for his work as a receiver (25-345-13.8, four TDs receiving; 7-54-7.7, one TD rushing) and kick returner (8-176-22.0)"

The Newark Board of Education offered Smith-Marsette a hearty congratulations on social media.

“We couldn't be any prouder of this major accomplishment,” administrators wrote. “The NPS community will be cheering you on from the stands, always.”

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