Jan. 15, 2010
Add yet another accolade to the growing list for Vanderbilt’s record-breaking dynamo Warren Norman: consensus Freshman All-American.
Norman, a product of Chamblee High School near Atlanta, was named First Team Freshman All-America recently by the American Football Coaches Association, capping a postseason of recognition for the versatile running back/returner that places him among the Commodores’ most honored first-time players.
With AFCA’s naming of Norman as its Freshman All-America kick returner, the Vanderbilt standout now holds similar recognition from virtually every key ballot for freshmen players, including the Sporting News, Rivals.com, Scout.com, Phil Steele’s and CollegeFootballNews.com.
“Warren put together a fantastic season for the Commodores, one that will be remembered for years to come,” Vanderbilt Head Coach Bobby Johnson said. “Warren came into the program wanting to do everything he could to help our team and his mindset and determination never wavered. All the accomplishments are a tremendous credit to an outstanding and very deserving young man.”
Norman produced multiple Southeastern Conference and team records as a multiple threat in 2009. He set the SEC freshman mark for all-purpose yardage, amassing 1,941 yards to break the former record set in 1982 by former Georgia legend Herschel Walker. Norman also became the first freshman to top the SEC in all-purpose yardage since Walker.
Norman also established a new SEC standard with 1,050 kickoff return yards, and matched a league record with three kickoff return touchdowns. He also ranked seventh among SEC backs with 783 rushing yards, and missed the Vanderbilt freshman rushing mark by just 17 yards.
Accolades for Norman began arriving in early December. He was named SEC Freshman of the Year by league coaches, joining Kwane Doster (2002) as the only Commodores to earn the award. The Associated Press and Sporting News also tabbed SEC’s top freshman in later ballots.
Norman was named to every SEC Freshman team, joining placekicker Ryan Fowler and offensive lineman Ryan Seymour as Commodores receiving first-year recognition. While many ballots recognized Norman as its top freshman returner, the Sporting News named him to its freshman first team as both running back and returner.
The coaches also named Norman to its All-SEC team for all players. He was listed as the coaches’ second team return specialist, joining two teammates, linebacker Chris Marve and cornerback Myron Lewis, who were recognized on either the AP or coaches poll.
Besides the AFCA recognition, Norman was also named as a first-team Freshman All-American by the Sporting News, Phil Steele and Rivals.com (kick returner), and Scout.com (all-purpose runner).
