Norwood ready to fulfill NFL dream

The closer Eric Norwood gets to realizing his childhood dream of playing in the NFL, the more anxious he is to get on with it.

The All-America linebacker from South Carolina has tried to embrace the stages leading to this week's draft: the meat market known as the NFL combine, the position drills at USC's pro day and the coach-class air travel for individual workouts with several teams.

But since returning to Columbia from Florida, where he trained for the February combine, Norwood has had little to do other than hang out his apartment complex pool, hit the gym and count the hours until Chris Berman begins bellowing teams' picks in Radio City Music Hall.

The re-formatted draft kicks off with the first round Thursday, followed by the second and third rounds Friday, and the final four rounds Saturday.

Norwood hopes he does not have to wait through the weekend to hear his name called.

"Whether it's the first, second or whatever, I'm just ready to get it over with," Norwood said last week in a phone interview.

Norwood, the Gamecocks' top prospect, nearly went through the process a year ago. After announcing after the Outback Bowl on Jan. 1, 2009, he was turning pro, Norwood changed his mind a couple of days later and returned for his senior season.

The decision allowed Norwood, who was twice denied admission to USC, to graduate with a criminal justice degree in 3 1/2 years. He figures it also earned him more money.

"That is one of the reasons I came back - to boost my stock," he said. "It definitely helped me coming back to school because I've shown (scouts) things they didn't see."

Anyone who has ever watched even 30 seconds of highlights on Norwood knows about his ability to knife into the backfield and rush the passer. He left USC as the school's all-time leader in sacks (29) and tackles for loss (54.5).

But in his final season with the Gamecocks, Norwood believes he displayed improved coverage skills, leadership qualities and a willingness to help out on special teams.

"Every team I talk to, that's one of the things they like. They've seen me do special teams," Norwood said.

Those special teams skills could open up more doors for the 6-foot, 241-pound Norwood, whom some draft experts consider a "tweener" - not big enough to play defensive end and not fast enough (4.72 seconds in the 40-yard dash) to handle the coverage responsibilities at outside linebacker.

ESPN draft analyst Todd McShay was among those who doubted Norwood initially. But after watching more video, McShay said there is more to Norwood than his measureables.

"He can play. Some guys just have the instincts and the playmaking skills, and he's one of them," McShay said. "Early on in the process I was skeptical about him. I wasn't sure where he was going to fit, and how he was going to be able to translate his production in college to the NFL. But I think he's going to be fine."

While many draft analysts project Norwood as a third-round pick, McShay believes he will go higher.

"He does a great job of using leverage and his quick feet, and he continues to get better as a pass-rusher," McShay said. "I've got him as a late second-round pick. Maybe it's too high, but I would have no problem with a team taking him in the second round."

USC coach Steve Spurrier said he hopes Norwood "goes high" in the draft. Wherever Norwood ends up, USC plans to invite Norwood to return for a game during his team's open date to honor him as the school's sacks leader.

"He was very active, loved to play," Spurrier said. "A very good competitor and practiced well, too."

Norwood, who grew up in Texas and went to high school outside Atlanta, has had individual meetings with New Orleans, Pittsburgh and Atlanta. The Falcons' visit included a tough, 45-minute workout on the same field where Norwood attended a summer camp as a high school sophomore.

Asked about the prospects of getting drafted by his hometown team, Norwood said: "It'd be great, especially if they do it early."

Norwood plans to watch the draft at his mother's home in Acworth, Ga., with his parents and out-of-town family from Texas and California. Norwood said he used to watch the draft as a child in Texas.

"Football was like a religion down there. I told my mom since I was 8 years old, that's what I was going to do," Norwood said. "It feels great. It's just a blessing, and I'm going to try to make the best of the situation."

This story was originally published April 18, 2010 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Norwood ready to fulfill NFL dream."