Late last week, reports surfaced that Kendrick Norton would be leaving Miami early and making himself available for the April NFL draft. Monday afternoon, the 6-3, 318-pound defensive tackle used social media to announce that, yes, he has indeed decided to take his leave of the ‘Canes in order to ply his football wares at the professional level.
Norton said he came to his decision "[a]fter a lot of thought, prayer, talking to my family and coaches.”After a lot of thought, prayer, talking to my family and coaches, I’ve decided to make myself available for the 2018 draft. This decision wasn’t an easy one, as I love being a hurricane, but I feel I’m ready for the next step in realizing my dreams of being an nfl football player. My time at this school, the experiences with my teammates, Coach Richt, Coach Diaz, and of course my guy Coach Kool as well as the support of the amazing miami fans everywhere, Sometimes the best decision is not the most popular decision But I Will carry these memories with me forever. Thank you too everyone for the support in my decision. I will always be a Miami Hurricane. GO CANES! Ps. And shout out to Peter for jumping out on the limb and guessing.
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This past season, Norton was credited with 6.5 tackles for loss and two sacks. Norton, who started 25 games the past two years, was named honorable mention All-ACC after the 2017 regular season, and is widely projected to be a middle- to late-round pick -- if he’s selected at all.
Norton is the second Miami player to opt for early entry into the NFL draft, joining running back Mark Walton. Draft-eligible players have until Jam. 15 to declare their intentions with the NFL.