Interview: Louisville 2017 CB Commit Tre Norwood having another Standout Season for Northside

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

In football, there is an expression that goes with playing cornerback – being on an island. The thought rings true and there is nowhere to hide on this gridiron island when a corner is lined up one-on-one against a wide receiver with all the world to see who will win that matchup. Being the underclassman corner across from a Division-I talent initially has more drawbacks than rewards, but Northside Class of 2017 talent Tre Norwood accepted the challenge during his junior season and came out the other side a legit D-I player in his own right.

During the 2015 season, Arkansas high school teams lining up against the Grizzlies more times than not shied away from Kiondre Thomas, who is now playing for Minnesota as a true freshman, choosing to pick on Norwood. Norwood had no choice but to either wilt under the pressure or rise to the occasion. After an approximate stat line of 30 tackles and 10 pass breakups, the Louisville Cardinal commit came out the other side ready for the next level.

Norwood has not slowed his maturation on the field during his senior year. The 5-11, 175 pound, talent can be found making 7A Arkansas players look foolish in all three phases of the game. In Norwood’s first three games of the season, he had six carries for 95 yards with a score and seven tackles in Game 1. Game 2, two tackles and six carries for 74 yards. But had a breakout performance in Game 3 coming up with five tackles, an interception, a 65-yard punt return for a touchdown, and even completed two passes for 80 yards against Bryant.

In a Recruiting News Guru stylized interview, I sat down with the Fort Smith area product going over his skill set on the field, his senior year to date, and his recruitment including what drew him to his July 29 commitment to the Cardinals.

Interview

Tre, you play so many different positions for Northside, what all did you work on this off-season to prepare for your senior year?

“I really just worked on getting bigger stronger, and faster. I got my body in shape to play on both sides of the ball this year. I added some weight to take more hits. Getting my body prepared, that was my main focus.”

Did you max out in the weight room this summer?

“Yes, sir. My bench was 245, my squat was 415, and my power clean was 205.”

What was the best 40-yard dash time you ran this summer?

“I ran a 4.48 at a Samford satellite camp.”

You put in all of that hard work, how is the season going for you so far?

“This season is going pretty good. I always have room to improve, but I’m pretty happy with the way I am playing and the way our team is playing. We are working hard. We are off to a good start.”

You guys just beat a traditionally strong team in Bryant 29-0. You had a great punt return for a touchdown. Walk me through that play.

“At first I did not have anywhere to go so I ran to sideline. I found a crease and ran pass two defenders. I got through there then I knew I was going to score. Our other corner, Biyron McGrew, was in front of me. He blocked the punter and I took it in for the score.”

You have already played against another for sure D-I talent this year in Greenwood quarterback Connor Noland (Arkansas Razorbacks). What was that test like for you?

“That was nothing but fun. Competition is great. I like playing against one of the best quarterbacks in the state. They have two good QBs, Connor and Luke is great too. Against guys like that it comes down to who makes plays when they need to be made.”

What are the strengths to your game as a cornerback?

“I feel like I bring good man-to-man skills, we play a lot of man. I feel like I have good feet and hips. I can play the receiver and ball well.”

Over the last two seasons you have a lot of broken up pass plays, are you surprised that opposing quarterbacks still try to test you?

“Last year I was not that surprised with Kiondre on the other side. He had an exceptional season. I was prepared for it. I did what I was coached to do. I wasn’t too surprised. This year I’m seeing less balls my way. Against Greenwood I no balls coming my way. They are not testing me this year.”

You had a pick against Bryant-

“That was a tipped pass our linebacker got a hand on and I came away with it.”

Tip drill coming in handy.

(Laughs)

I’m sure you have been asked this a million times but, how did the Louisville come about for you?

“We took a visit up there this summer. I got to meet with my defensive backs coach (Keith Heyward) and the defensive coordinator (Todd Grantham). Tanner Cross and Byron McGrew went with me. The coaches were all great. It felt like home. The facilities and atmosphere were great. The relationship with Keith Hayward was great. I just felt real comfortable up there. My family likes it there too. They are a winning program. All of that drew me to Louisville.”

How much are you loving the season Louisville is having this year?

“I’m ecstatic. I love it. They are ranked No. 3 after beating FSU last week. I was there, that made it even better. I’m even more excited to see what the future holds for me at Louisville.”

How did your visit go to Louisville? Was it an unofficial or official?

“It was an unofficial. My family and one of my teammates went up there for the game. We saw a great game and their high-powered offense. I can’t wait to play for Coach Grantham. They have coaches that like winning. The fans are diehard and the atmosphere was wonderful.”

Are any schools still actively recruiting you hard?

“There are some schools still recruiting me. Wake Forest and Minnesota keeps in touch.”

Have you set your official visits yet?

“I have not set them up yet. I know I am going to Louisville towards end of season or after. I’m not sure when the rest will be. That’s my main focus to get my visits lined up. My parents and I plan on sitting down to schedule it soon.

Where all might you visit?

“Besides Louisville, the rest are up in the air.”

Are you helping recruit other players to join you and if so who?

“Not really. I’d like to get my old teammate Brandon Lewis (Fayetteville High School) to Louisville. The two main ones that I’d like to join me are Tanner Cross, outside linebacker for our team, and Biyron McGrew, a cornerback for us.”

I have to ask, in a fun way with your former teammate Kiondre Thomas at Minnesota and knowing that the Golden Gophers have offered you, how much is Thomas in your ear?

“He has not been in my ear that much. He understands the recruiting process. He is like a big brother. He told me, ‘I’d love for you to come up here, but I want you to make the right decision for you and what you will be happy with.’ He does not put pressure on me.”

You guys have some tough games coming up. Are there any games you are a little more excited to play than the others?

“Yes, Pine Bluff. We were supposed to play them last week but it got cancelled. Cabot, they are a good team with Jared Barnes. North Little Rock, we want to get revenge for the playoffs last year. And Southside, they have beaten us 11 years in a row. It is about time for us to get one. That should be a good game as well. I love playing each and every game.”

How does the team look for playoff run?

“I feel like we are looking good and working hard in practice every day. I feel like we will be another playoff team again this year and give it a better run. Our goal is to win state.”

Tre, thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of your season.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Norwood family; Tre Norwood with mom at Louisville (Sept. 2016).

Photo credit: twitter.com/Norwood family; No. 11 Tre Norwood breaks free on a return.

Photo credit: scout.com; No. 11 Tre Norwood makes a diving tackle.