Eric Norwood

Eric Norwood (born May 24, 1988) is an American football linebacker for the Carolina Panthers. He was selected in the fourth round at number 124 overall by the Panthers. He formerly played for the University of South Carolina. During his collegiate career, he set 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. Norwood was considered a top linebacker prospect for the 2010 NFL Draft; he draws comparisons to James Harrison.

High school career
He played high school football at North Cobb High School in Acworth/Kennesaw, Georgia.

Considered a three-star recruit by Rivals.com, Norwood was listed as the No. 34 strongside defensive end prospect nationwide in 2006.

College career
Norwood arrived at South Carolina in 2006 and immediately made an impact at the Defensive End position. In 13 games as a Freshman, he recorded 30 total tackles (9.0 for loss), 7.0 sacks, and 5.0 quarterback hurries. For his efforts, Norwood was named First Team Freshman All-American and All-SEC by The Sporting News. His 7.0 sacks tied for the team-lead, while his 5.0 hurries were tops for the team.

In 2007, Norwood asserted himself as one of the most effective Defensive Ends in college football. In 12 games, he recorded 69 total tackles (19.5 for loss), 6.0 sacks, 9.0 quarterback hurries, and 3 fumble recoveries. He was named First Team All-SEC by the league's coaches and Second Team All-SEC by the Associated Press. 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. He returned two fumbles for touchdowns, posted 5 total tackles (all solo and 1.0 for loss), and had two pass deflections. The two touchdowns on fumble returns tied an NCAA record.

After two stellar years at defensive end, Norwood moved to Linebacker for his Junior season in 2008. The position change did not affect his performance, as he posted 75 tackles (14.5 for loss), 9.0 sacks, 9 quarterback hurries, 2 fumble recoveries, and a forced fumble. Norwood was named First Team All-SEC by both the league's coaches and Associated Press. 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.

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. The record was previously held by defensive tackle Andrew Provence who had 26 career sacks. For the 2009 season, Norwood posted 81 tackles (11.5 for loss), 7.0 sacks, 11 quarterback hurries, 3 blocked kicks, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery. In October 2009, Norwood was selected to The Sporting News midseason All-American team. 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.