Jerious Norwood RB 6' 210 Mississippi St.
By: Robert Davis

After earning Parade All American status as a high school senior, Norwood brought huge expectations with him to Mississippi St. Even though he was solid through his first two seasons, he had not lived up to expectations. In those two seasons, he combined for just 1,036 yards and two touchdowns on the ground, and 13 receptions for 53 yards receiving. He took off as a junior, matching those two season totals. For the year, he ran for 1,050 yards and seven touchdowns, and had 11 receptions for 37 yards. Norwood again improved his numbers as a senior, rushing for 1,136 yads and six touchdowns, and hauling in 19 receptions for 96 yards and two touchdowns.

Norwood has developed into a very good prospect at the RB position. He has great speed on the field, and has the ability to make people miss and make the big play. He also shows the patience to wait for a hole, and hit it once it opens up. He is a slashing back, but is not afraid to run inside and dip his shoulder to fight for the extra yard. Norwood also shows the ability to be a threat out of the backfield as a receiver.

Even though his size is similar to a lot of other backs, Norwood has a lean frame. He does not look like he is 210lbs. That is good and bad. The good is that he has the frame to get bigger, but the bad is, he must get bigger to be a feature back. He does not pack enough punch in his runs, and his body may have problems holding up with his thin build.

Jerious Norwood is a player who should come in immediately and be a solid change of pace back, with his speed and receiving ability. If he can show the ability to add and maintain more weight, he could develop into a feature back down the road. He grades out as a third or fourth rounder, but has intriguing upside at that point.