Hard work pays off for Minneapolis South grad Elerson Smith

Minneapolis North High School was represented in last year’s NFL Draft when Tyler Johnson was selected in the fifth round by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In 2021, it’s Minneapolis South’s turn with Elerson Smith shooting up draft boards.

Smith is an edge rusher who’s put on over 50 pounds since going from Minneapolis South High School to Northern Iowa. In 2019, his last year with the Panthers, Smith recorded 14 sacks, five forced fumbles, and had 21.5 tackles for loss.

"With all the great quarterbacks in the league, you need someone to stop them and I’m looking forward to trying to do that," Smith told KSTP’s Darren Wolfson.

NFL Draft expert Daniel Jeremiah has compared Smith to great Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby.

Smith grew up a huge Vikings fan and it would be a thrill to be drafted by his hometown team.

"Being able to represent my city, be around my family, and just be here for Minneapolis in this time would be an amazing thing for me to do."

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