Norwood plans to continue quarterback assault in NFL
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."
About the Author
Honored by the Pro Football Hall of Fame in recognition of his "long and distinguished reporting in the field of pro football," D. Orlando Ledbetter, Esq. has covered the NFL 28 seasons. A graduate of Howard University, he's a winner of Georgia Sportswriter of the Year and three Associated Press Sports Editor awards.
