Name: Isaiah Norman
School: Austin Peay State University / Marshall University
Position: DB
Height: 5-11
Weight: 206
Q: What goals did you set and/or accomplish in your final collegiate season?
had three main goals this year as I was playing my final year of collegiate football. I wanted to help this team win a championship wether conference or a bowl win. We won the Myrtle Beach bowl last year against UCONN. My 2nd goal was to show professional scouts that I can play and adapt to a new environment with more competition compared to my years in FCS football. I wanted to show I belonged and that I have what it takes. My final goal was to make this defense a top defense in the country. That group of guys were one of the best groups I’ve played alongside. This year we accomplished being #1 in 3rd down stops and were a top 10 ranked defense in just about every category.
Q: What would your coaches and teammates say about the type of player you are?
I believe my coaches and teammates would say I am a very dedicated and passionate player. I love the game and everything that comes with it. I believe my teammates will say I am a leader on the field, that I play hard with a ton of energy. I’m the teammate who will hype everyone up, talk a little smack and get the energy going. My coaches I believe will compliment how coachable I am and how fast I learn playbooks and schemes. Also on how I like to lead and help the youngsters along with their technique and awareness.
Q: When you are studying film, what are the things you focus on to improve your game?
When I am watching film I look for tendencies by the offense. What personnel they like to line up in, what does the WR do when it is a run play, the quarterback’s eyes and mannerisms when commanding his offense, how they respond to adversity, how they respond to smack talk, concepts they like to run, does the WR block well, I’m looking for any signals I can steal that I see, and more. I take film very serious because that is how you play fast and with confidence. I was taught at an early age what to watch for and that film was important.
Q: What separates you from the other pro prospects at your position?
What separates me from my competition is that I am versatile and have a lot of experience at both positions. I have good film against good competition at those positions as well. I believe my 4.47 40 yard dash and my 4.16 20yd shuttle will show scouts that I can move fast and fluid at my size. I also have 2 championships under my belt and I believe I can bring a championship mentality to a team and help them succeed.
Q: What is your offseason plan to train and prepare for professional opportunities?
My off-season plan is to workout with my trainers back at home. Stanley Lopez for my speed and Mark Harper for football I also have a weight plan formed together by a connection through college athletics.
Q: What kind of strengths and abilities will you bring to a team that will stand out both on and off the field?
I am a very approachable and down to earth person. I love being around people and learning from them. I am the type of person to look forward to team meetings just to see the guys and the coaches. I am very respectful and was raised to respect authority so my coaches always have loved my personality and how I carry myself. I am willing to talk to anyone who wants a conversation I love people. I love to make people’s day better I get that from my Mother. We take pride in being able to help someone because you never know how bad someone has it.
Q: What is your final pitch to the NFL and any other pro leagues?
My final pitch to NFL scouts is that I am an inner city kid from Memphis Tennessee I am very humble and motivated. I want to change my family narrative and be the difference in my community. Playing 5 years at an FCS program has taught me how to work hard with very little resources. It forced me to be humble and taught me how to work insanely hard on your own so once I got to the FBS level I didn’t get big headed with all the resources that were finally made available to me. I was more appreciative for them because I was used to not having much. I am willing to play any position you need of me I can play corner safety and slot corner if needed. I will bring a championship mindset to your team and a positive attitude. Thank you for your time, Zay.