Aug. 17, 2010
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Vanderbilt sophomore running back Warren Norman was named to the watch list for the inaugural Paul Hornung Award on Tuesday by the Louisville Sports Commission.
The award recognizes the most versatile player in college football. Norman was one of 48 players selected to the watch list, which only includes players that had a minimum of three different “touches” in 2009 — catching, running, passing, returning kicks, returning punts, holding for placements, tackling, defending passes or recovering a fumble.
The watch list was compiled by a panel of college football experts based on 2009 statistics and expectations heading into the 2010 season. Norman is one of just five sophomores on the list, which also includes 25 seniors and 18 juniors. Seven other players from the SEC join Norman on the watch list: Leon Berry (MSU), Brandon Boykin (UGA), Randall Cobb (UK), Stephon Gilmore (USC), Derrick Locke (UK), Chris Rainey (UF) and Demond Washington (AU).
The award is named after Paul Hornung, a Louisville, Ky., native, who was considered the most versatile player in the history of college football, winning the 1956 Heisman Trophy at quarterback for Notre Dame, while also playing every position in the backfield during his career with the Irish. He also punted, kicked, returned kicks and played defensive back before playing nine years of professional football, and being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
A 2010 preseason first team All-SEC selection by the league’s coaches, Norman is coming off one of the most productive freshman campaigns in SEC history in 2009. He led the SEC with 1,951 all-purpose yards, breaking Herschel Walker’s SEC freshman record. He also set the SEC single-season record with 1,050 kickoff return yards and returned three kicks for touchdowns. Norman also rushed for 783 yards and caught 19 passes for 108 yards.
Following his freshman season, Norman was unanimously tabbed as the SEC Freshman of the Year. He was also named to numerous Freshman All-America teams.
Norman and the Commodores open the 2010 season against Northwestern at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 4 at Vanderbilt Stadium.
Season tickets start at $125 and can be purchased by visiting vucommodores.com, by phoning (615) 322-GOLD, or at the Vanderbilt Box Office in McGugin Center (2601 Jess Neely Drive) during regular business hours.
