Kevin Norwood

A three-star WR recruit, Norwood chose Alabama over Mississippi and Southern Mississippi and redshirted in 2009. He was a back-up as a freshman and sophomore, only seeing the field due to a few injuries. With Marquis Maze and Darius Hanks leaving for the NFL, Norwood became a starter as a junior in 2012 and posted consistent production his final two seasons in Tuscaloosa, leading the Tide with seven receiving scores in 2013. He needs to get stronger to better beat press coverage and hold up vs. physical defenders, but he is a mature route runner with excellent hand/eye coordination and reflexes at the catch point. Norwood isn't a speed demon, but he accelerates well with natural body control. He isn't elite in any one area, but solid across the board. He was somewhat overlooked and underutilized at Alabama, but could end up having a better pro than college career.

lanky build and average-at-best muscle tone. needs to get stronger and dedicate himself to the weight room. tends to play too high and struggles vs. press and physical defenders at the start and peak of routes. lacks great start/stop explosion and not very creative as a ballcarrier.

Much improved blocker, but still has room to grow in this area. Needs to improve his ball security and be a better finisher. Older prospect and will be a 25-year old NFL rookie. Below average career production at a school with a talented quarterback and average receivers - only one career 100-yard receiving game and never led the Tide in receiving.

strengths

Flexible body type with adequate height and hand size. Good speed for the position with sharp footwork and leverage in his routes. Quick-starter with short-area burst. Smooth body control and excellent mid-air adjustments to twist and look the ball into his hands. Very good concentration and a natural hands-catcher.

nice awareness to locate and pluck, working back to the ball and aggressively attacking it. never quits on his quarterback. smart with an alert sideline sense. knows where the sticks are. good football character and known as a reliable option on and off the field. positive attitude and carries himself like a professional. already has his master's degree.

WEAKNESSES

The Crimson Tide picked up an outstanding receiver prospect from Mississippi in D'Iberville-product Kevin Norwood

was a two-way threat in high school and the nation's No. 22 wide receiver by Rivals.com

also a member of the Rivals250, Mississippi's No. 5 prospect and the nation's No. 3 deep threat by Rivals.com

Scout.com's No. 44 wide receiver prospect and the No. 65 wide out by ESPNU

rated No. 69 by The Mobile Press-Register's Super Southeast 120

on The Orlando Sentinel All-Southern team

earned the Sun Herald's South Mississippi Defensive Player of the Year and was also named Mr. South Mississippi Football

a first-team All-State selection by The Jackson Clarion-Ledger

SuperPrep magazine's No. 16 player in Mississippi

caught 64 passes for 1,100 yards and 13 touchdowns as a senior to go along with 10 interceptions

hauled in 33 receptions for 668 yards and 11 touchdowns as a junior in 2007

coached by Buddy Singleton

chose Alabama over Auburn, Mississippi, Mississippi State and Southern Mississippi.