Norwood Family Reunion

COLUMBIA -- The postgame scene was chaotic, with South Carolina having just defeated South Carolina State in the schools' first-ever meeting on a football field.

In the midst of the madness, Eric Norwood was on a mission. Scanning the crowd gathered at midfield to shake hands, the Gamecocks' All-SEC linebacker finally found Bulldogs coach Buddy Pough.

Norwood was determined to get a message to Pough.

Had nothing to do with the game. Everything to do with brotherly love.

Norwood's younger brother, Erin, also had aspirations of playing college football.

But poor grades and a bad attitude left Erin without options.

As big brother's life picture was coming into focus at South Carolina, Erin's was in flux. He was wandering, wondering about his direction.

Eric was worried about Erin.

Names separated by a single consonant, they were closer than that growing up.

The Norwoods moved from California's Bay Area to Dallas to Atlanta. With mom at work, all the boys often had were one another.

Erin boasts that he was more athletic in elementary school, saying that the big brother looked up to the little brother. Eric isn't so sure about that one.

Naturally, separated by a year and a half, they got in their fair share of trouble together.

Eric flashes a smile when asked about the mischief, declining to elaborate much beyond that. Erin says prank calls were part of the boys' repertoire. At least until mom found out.

"We built a bond that can't be broken," Eric said.

Colleges were lining up to get a look at Eric, a star at North Cobb High. One by one, they backed away, believing his 1.8 GPA would preclude him from admission.

South Carolina stuck with Norwood, and it's assuredly grateful it did.

Norwood set the school's all-time sacks record last week. He's at 28 and counting.

His name has been mentioned this week in the same breath as the Heisman Trophy.

"It's amazing," Erin said. "It actually is."

Even as the SEC's defensive player of the week following a 10-tackle, two-sack showing in the upset of No. 4 Mississippi, Norwood doesn't think he's yet played a "complete, solid game."

Scary notion for a guy that just had an All-America September.

Erin said he's more impressed that Eric is on pace to graduate early, in December, from USC with a degree in criminal justice. Eric has been a regular on the Dean's List.

"He'll be the first person to graduate in our family," Erin said, smiling.

With some grease, doors eventually swung open for Eric. But they slammed in Erin's face.

Erin initially planned to go to a junior college near Boston, but the opportunity fell through. Former South Carolina defensive coordinator Tyrone Nix then lined up a Mississippi junior college for Erin.

About 50 pounds lighter than Eric, the defensive back prospect told the JUCO coaches he ran a 4.4 40-yard dash. He ran a 4.53 upon arrival -- and was told to move along.

Erin was back in Atlanta, looking for the next step.

He was stocking shelves at Costco, taking a few classes at a community college and partying.

Eric wanted more for his brother. He managed to wedge open a door Erin hadn't even considered.

After the Gamecocks' 38-3 victory two seasons ago, Norwood sought out Pough. He asked if S.C. State had room for Erin.

"When you get a recommendation from that kind of a player," Pough said, "you figure the apple could only fall so far from the tree."

After that initial encounter, Eric drove the half-hour to Orangeburg to help facilitate his brother's addition to the team.

"All of a sudden the whole family was here," Pough said. "Then (Erin) was here."

Erin sat out last year, to get himself eligible. This year, as a 5-10 redshirt freshman, he's contributing on special teams. He's also a backup safety, not yet listed on the Bulldogs' two-deep.

"He'll play here for us. He's just getting started," Pough said. "We'll find some other places to get him in there."

So, don't be surprised if you hear about another Norwood in a season or two.

"He's definitely talented. He could play (at South Carolina). He could play anywhere," Eric said. "It's just a matter of him working for it and doing the right thing."

Just a short drive apart, the Norwoods see each other often. Pough says Eric, a relatively frequent visitor, has been a good influence on many of the Bulldogs.

The brothers will be on opposite sidelines Saturday, when South Carolina again hosts S.C. State.

Eric has a sense of peace, knowing his brother is in college -- and on a college roster.

"It's definitely a relief. He's not in the streets and everything," he said. "Orangeburg's a lot safer for him than being back in Atlanta."

A lot of brothers would like to think they'd go great lengths help their blood. But how many would back up words with actions, and do it to this degree?

"Eric's such a neat guy," Pough said. "Heck, I don't know if that's the same guy I see on Saturdays sometimes. He's out there just knocking folks out. He comes here and he's the most well-mannered, gentle kind of guy."

Eric talked about his brother for several minutes earlier this week. But at no point did he interject himself and the story about approaching Pough.

But it's obvious the impact that moment had.

"I don't think I'd be here without him," Erin says.

And he doesn't just mean Orangeburg.

Reach Travis Haney at thaney@postandcourier.com and check out the South Carolina blog at www.postandcourier.com/weblogs/gamecocks.