Sept. 28, 2009

University of South Carolina senior linebacker Eric Norwood has been selected as the Southeastern Conference Defensive Player of the Week for his efforts in the Gamecocks’ 16-10 win over fourth-ranked Ole Miss last week.

Norwood, a 6-1, 252-pounder from Acworth, Ga., logged a game-high 10 tackles (seven solos) with a pair of sacks and another half-tackle for loss, partially blocked a punt and added two quarterback pressures in the upset win. The two sacks give Norwood 28.0 in his career, which is a school record and tied for eighth place in SEC history. His 2.5 tackles for loss against the Rebels now give him 49.5 for his career, which ranks 11th in SEC history and is also a school record.

The Norwood-led defense held Ole Miss to just 10 points and 248 yards of total offense, including just 109 through the air.

Norwood becomes the third Gamecock honored by the SEC this season. He joins Week 1 Defensive Lineman of the Week Devin Taylor and Week 3 Freshman of the Week Jarvis Giles.

Norwood and the Gamecocks will be back in action again on Saturday, October 3 when they host the South Carolina State Bulldogs in a 7 p.m. contest at Williams-Brice Stadium. The game will be televised nationally on ESPN Classic and tickets still remain.