South Carolina's Eric Norwood is through terrorizing the quarterbacks of the SEC.
Now, he's set to establish himself as a linebacker in the NFL after he's selected in the 2010 NFL draft, which will be held Thursday through Saturday.
A first-team Associated Press All-American his senior season as well as a three-time All-SEC performer, Norwood finished as South Carolina's all-time leader in sacks (29) and tackles for loss (54 1/2).
He played strongside linebacker in the 4-3 alignment at the Senior Bowl. However, some 3-4 NFL teams might like him as an outside linebacker because of his pass-rushing ability.
"Norwood is a smart football player," Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff said. "What really stands out with him is the fact that he has versatility as a linebacker to get up field and rush. He also has the stoutness to align inside and be a [middle] backer. We all know how important the combination of smarts and stoutness is at the [middle] backer spot. That is something that is a valuable asset for them."
Norwood talked to Minnesota linebacker Jasper Brinkley, who played at South Carolina, to help prepare for the draft process.
Some teams like Norwood as a outside linebacker and some like him as a middle linebacker, so he's not sure where he'll play.
"I definitely have to keep an open mind about things," Norwood said. "There’s nothing I can do now other than say what I can do, until I put a uniform on and go out and show them."
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