There are three lines of defense to a normal football defense. The defensive line is the first and primary line of defense, usually four or five of the quickest, heaviest players on the field. The line backers are the second line of defense, normally numbering three or four of the toughest players on a football team. And the final line of defense is the secondary usually numbering any where from three to five of the fastest, quickest and smartest players on a team.
Mississippi State running back Jerious Norwood pummels through the thickness of the first defense; he races by the second wall of defenders, leaving them diving at his feet; and finally his cutbacks, sharp turns and fiery speed cuts through the secondary like a knife through warm butter.
He’s done it on many occasions in his three years at Mississippi State, but this year he has to do it more than ever.
“I don’t feel no pressure,” Norwood said, chuckling. “I just have to go out and try to stay consistent and work hard everyday.”
The weight of the Mississippi State offense rests on the Pre-Season all-Southeastern Conference team pick, who racked up over 1,000 yards last season, averaging 5.4 yards a carry. Norwood had five games where he rushed for more than 100 yards, three of those over 150, including a 201-yard performance versus UAB.
“I’m not going to change just because of the pressure,” said Norwood, who is the key factor in State’s offense. “I’m going to keep being myself.”
The depth behind Norwood isn’t strong and is very young, similar to every position on the team.
“We got one (running back) who can play and that’s Norwood,” Croom said. “The rest of them are just a bunch of guys trying to find their way out there. We’re going to look to one to step up.”
Red shirt freshman Brandon Thornton, a 5-foot-10, 195-pounder, is Norwood’s immediate backup. Thornton will no doubt receive playing time, sometimes being used as a second running back on the field with Norwood.
“I’ve been trying to step it up,” Thornton said. “I’ve been trying to give coach Croom the look that he wants.”
Sophomore Jonathan Lowe, who is known for his 73-yard punt return for a touchdown in the Florida game last season, follows Thornton. Lowe, a 5-foot-6, 180-pounder, will be used not only aligned in the backfield, but as a wide out.
“If I had to say, I want to be remembered as the multi-purpose guy … the guy that makes plays,” Lowe said. “Hopefully this year I can have more than just one highlight against more than just one team.”
Lowe averaged 11.5 yards a punt return and had an 18.1-yard kickoff return average. His speed and quickness will surely be used in the west coast offense.
“I’m impressed that the coaches noticed me out there, trying to do my best and playing hard,” Lowe said. “The main thing I’m doing out there now is having fun. I’m learning how to have fun and enjoy what I’m doing.”
True freshman Brandon Hart is also getting thrown into the mix at running back. Hart, a 5-foot-10, 240-pound Georgia native, has impressed Croom with his hard-hitting mentality.
“The one thing about him is he’ll roll over and hurt somebody,” Croom said of Hart, who was originally practicing at fullback.
Bryson Davis leads the fullbacks. Davis, a 6-foot-2, 266-pound junior, has shown great ability to not only block, but to catch and run the ball.
“I think Bryson Davis could be as good of fullback as there is in the country,” Croom said. “He’s practicing well. He’s way ahead of where he was last year. He’s running the ball well and catching the ball.”
Davis started in five games last season. He caught eight passes for 74 yards and rushed seven times for 28 yards. But his main job is to open holes for Norwood.
“He’s not missing assignments,” Croom continued about Davis. “He’s tough. He’s a good fullback.”
Casey Rogers, a 6-foot-1, 226-pound junior, is Davis’ backup. Rogers transferred to State from Cumberland University in Tennessee.