JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Four-star lineman Kendrick Norton joined five-star teammate Kevin Toliver II and ESPN 300 linebacker Jeffery Holland in being presented with their Under Armour All-America Game jerseys Thursday afternoon in a ceremony sponsored by American Family Insurance. The ceremony took place in front of friends, coaches, teammates and media members at the Trinity Christian School auditorium in Jacksonville, Florida.
The 99th-ranked prospect in the ESPN 300 said he felt honored to be selected to one of the top All-America games in the country.
“It just really cool that I’m maybe one of like 100 guys that gets to participate in this event. It’s an honor to play in the game."
Norton at one time was committed to FSU, but has since backed off and is considering other schools such as Miami, Florida, Ole Miss and UCLA. Though ranked as an offensive guard, Norton prefers the defensive line and several teams are recruiting him as a defensive tackle.
“I’m basically wide open,” Norton said of his recruitment. "I’m going to take a second look at Florida but basically I’m wide open. Miami wants me on the defensive line. They’ve been recruiting me real hard. Al Golden, Jethro Franklin, they talk to me every day.”
So far the ESPN 300 lineman hasn’t taken any official visits but that will soon change.
"I haven’t taken any official visits yet but I might go to Ole Miss on Jan. 29 and I’ll probably go to UCLA after the season,” he said. "Probably Miami after the season too."
Kendrick Norton with his Under Armour All-America jersey. https://t.co/DVQ75LZnUW
— Derek Tyson (@DerekTysonESPN) November 20, 2014Seven questions with Kendrick Norton
Who was the best player you ever saw play in the Under Armour game?
Norton: I remember watching Jamie Harper (former Trinity Christian running back) growing up. I didn’t really know who he was until I got to Trinity and I found out he actually played here but I remember watching him in the game.
If you could start a team with any other player in your class who would it be?
Norton: I’d say my entire team. I think we have a great team.
If you could go one-on-one with any other player in the country who would it be?
Norton: Whoever's the No. 1-ranked offensive guard in the country. Whoever that is, I'd want to take him on.
What's your earliest football memory?
Norton: My ninth-grade year, it was the first time I’d ever been trap-blocked. He hit me and my helmet came flying off.
If you could take on a professional athlete in their sport, who would it be and why?
Norton: Kobe Bryant. He’s the first person that came to mind other than LeBron.
What would you like to improve on before you get to college?
Norton: Just make sure I’m in shape and work on my first step and pad level.
What’s something about yourself that not many people know about?
Norton: I’m a comedian.
Kendrick Norton, Kevin Toliver II and Jeff Holland about to receive their Under Armour All-America jersey's pic.twitter.com/Vz5mwqTjJW
— Derek Tyson (@DerekTysonESPN) November 20, 2014