He played college football for the South Carolina Gamecocks, setting school career records in tackles for loss (54.5) and quarterback sacks (29).
With numerous conference and national honors, Norwood is one of the most decorated defensive players in SEC history and has drawn comparisons to James Harrison.
[1] Norwood was considered a top linebacker prospect for the 2010 NFL draft; he was selected in the fourth round, 124 overall by the Carolina Panthers.
In a Thursday night game against a top 10 Kentucky squad, led by Heisman candidate Andre Woodson, Norwood turned in one of the most dominant single-game performances in NCAA history.
After South Carolina's loss in the 2009 Outback Bowl, Norwood announced that he planned to enter the 2009 NFL draft, but later changed his mind.
[3] Norwood's decision to return for his Senior season was a beneficial one for the Gamecocks, as he helped lead the team to a 7-6 record and a PapaJohns.com Bowl appearance.
In addition, Norwood broke South Carolina's all-time sack record by dropping Jevan Snead for a 5-yard loss during the Gamecocks 16-10 victory over Ole Miss.
[5] Following the conclusion of the 2009 regular season, Norwood was named a First-team All-American by the Associated Press and the Walter Camp Football Foundation.