Former ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats nose tackle Bill Norton committed to the Texas Longhorns on Monday, two days after attending their spring game.
Norton reunites with former ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ defensive coordinator Johnny Nansen, who is Texas' co-defensive coordinator and linebackers coach. Former UA defensive lineman Tiaoalii Savea is currently with the Longhorns. Â
Norton, a 6-6, 325-pounder from Memphis, Tennessee, transferred to ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ last spring following four seasons at Georgia, where he held a minimal role for the Bulldogs. At ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Norton recorded 32 tackles, 2.5 stops for loss, three pass deflections and two forced fumbles. Norton’s size and gap-filling presence bolstered ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥â€™s rushing defense that finished 25th nationally in 2023.
Entering his final year of eligibility, Norton opted to return to ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ despite the Wildcats’ previous coaching staff leaving for Washington; , before entering the transfer portal just over two weeks into the UA's spring practice schedule.
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Norton is the latest defensive starter to transfer away from ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, along with cornerback Ephesians Prysock and defensive end Isaiah Ward. Norton was the ninth scholarship defensive lineman to leave the program through the transfer portal or graduation.
With Norton out, the Wildcats will have all new starters on the defensive line for the 2024 season. ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥â€™s interior defensive linemen include junior Ta’ita’i Uiagalelei, UC Davis transfer Chubba Ma’ae and redshirt sophomore Isaiah Johnson, among others. The Wildcats are adding Syracuse defensive tackle Kevon Darton in the summer.Â
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥'s spring game is on Saturday at 6 p.m. at ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Stadium, which will also be televised on Pac-12 Network.Â
Contact Justin Spears, the Star's ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ football beat reporter, at jspears@tucson.com. On X(Twitter): @JustinESports
Justin Spears
Sports Reporter
