Sooners cornerback Tre Norwood made an imprint in the Big 12 in 2020 tying for third nationally with five interceptions. The ballhawk corner notched all in the final six games of the season.
Defensive players can often get lost in the hype entering the NFL with the constant discussion on OU’s high-powered offense under guru Lincoln Riley.
Following a devastating non-contact torn ACL that sidelined him in 2019 and halted his future plans, the former three-star recruit took advantage of opportunities the next season and upped his draft stock. He was a difference maker in Alex Grinch’s secondary.
As a true freshman in 2017, Norwood kickstarted his career. He registered 30 total tackles and ranked second on the team with eight pass breakups in 14 games played. In 2018, he continued to be a key in Grinch’s last line of defense. He tied for fifth on the tam with 58 tackles and accumulated five pass breakups, one sack, and one interception. Norwood showcased his versatility playing both nickel corner and free safety.
2020 became his breakout year. Norwood compiled 23 tackles, five interceptions, and two pass breakups in all 11 games played. He earned All-Big 12 honorable mention in recognition of his accomplishments and was named Outstanding Defensive Player of the 2020 Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic after returning an interception 45 yards for a touchdown in the victory against Florida. The pick six occurred off the hands of Heisman finalist Kyle Trask.
Norwood was a physical corner that thrived in the slot down the stretch. He is projected to be a Day three pick. Teams such as Las Vegas Raiders, Washington Football Team, and Dallas Cowboys could be potential landing spots. Dallas will likely choose a DB in the earlier rounds to solidify their secondary but he is an option.
Excited to see this play on film – #Sooners DB Tre Norwood is a former CB who shifted to FS in '20 for @OU_Football
Has sideline to sideline range, is quick in and out of cuts and had 5 INTs this year! One of a handful of versatile DBs in Mobile #TheDraftStartsinMOBILE #OUDNA pic.twitter.com/PTqpH4k85Q
— Fran Duffy (@EaglesXOs) January 27, 2021
Next, we begin with what to like about Norwood:
Scouting Report
Strengths:
Great route recognition, ball-tracking ability, and awareness in coverage. Possesses solid closing speed to undercut passes and acceleration off fluid backpedal to move in multiple directions towards the football. Has great versatility playing on the boundary and at slot and free safety. He was productive at each in Crimson and Cream. Plays the ball in the air with exceptional instincts and has outstanding vertical explosiveness, evidenced by five interceptions.
Make that 6️⃣ picks in the last 5️⃣ games for T. Wood! 🤯 @trenorwood_3
📺 ESPN | https://t.co/IHMKdBjQuA pic.twitter.com/4T7UAL4lxb
— Oklahoma Football (@OU_Football) December 31, 2020
Finally, what Norwood needs to work on:
Weaknesses:
His size limits him in coverage at the catch point and can cause him to try and be overly physical to compensate, which leads to poor hand usage and penalties. Given his smaller frame, gets outmuscled at times in an attempt to retrieve the football.