CCU

Josh Norman Named Big South Defensive Player of the Week

Norman nearing CCU and Big South records for interceptions and pass break ups

       

Josh Norman

Josh Norman

Oct. 10, 2011

CONWAY - Coastal Carolina senior Josh Norman was named the Big South Defensive Player of the Week for his play in helping the 24th-ranked Chanticleers defeat VMI in the teams' 2011 conference opener this past Saturday.

For the third straight game, Norman led Coastal in tackles, collecting seven - all solo - versus the Keydets. He added three pass break ups, giving him 30 for his career. The two-time, first team All-Big South pick and 2009 All-American is now just one PBU shy of the school record and Big South career mark of 31, held by former Chanticleer Quinton Teal. Also, Norman came through with his first interception of the season, giving him 12 for his career. He now ranks second on the CCU and Big South all-time picks lists behind Teal's 17.

On VMI's second drive, with the Keydets on the CCU 34, Norman had his first PBU on first down. Three plays later, on 4th-and-4, Norman had a PBU in the end zone to force a turnover on downs. In addition to his impressive statistics, Norman was matched up most of the game (including his interception and one PBU) with one of the conference's top receivers, Tracy Hairston. For the game, Hairston only caught three passes for 16 yards. On one completion to Hairston, Norman made a stop for no gain. In the third quarter and VMI facing 2nd-and-7, Hairston caught a pass and Norman made the stop for just a five-yard gain. On the next play, Norman registered his third PBU of the game to force a punt.

Norman currently ranks 11th (tied) in the NCAA and first in the Big South in passes defended (1.60 per game). His seven PBU for the season also leads the Big South, while ranking eighth (tied) in the NCAA. His 12 career interceptions ranks seventh (tied) for most among active FCS players.

This marks Norman's third career Big South Defensive Player of the Week honor and the third time a Chanticleer has been recognized by the league in 2011. Earlier, quarterback Aramis Hillary was named Offensive Player of the Week (versus Furman) and linebacker Quinn Backus was tabbed the Big South Freshman of the Week (versus Georgia).

Coastal Carolina will return to action this Saturday for a key Big South meeting with Liberty. Kickoff in Lynchburg, Va., is set for 3:30 pm. In addition to coverage on the Chanticleer Sports Network, the game will be televised on the Flames Sports Network and available on the Big South Sports Network.