Bryce Norman: The heartbeat of SEMO's defense ready for a stellar senior year

Senior inside linebacker Bryce Norman rushes into his senior year as one of SEMO’s best talents, determined to give his all every game for the Redhawks.

Norman has consistently been one of the Redhawks most important players on defense, collecting multiple awards during his career, including two First-Team Big South-OVC Association honors and a nomination to the Hero Sports All-American sophomore team in 2022. He has led the Redhawks in tackles all three years he has played.

Norman comes into the 2024 season with even more preseason awards, being named to the Buck Buchanan Award Watch List, Stats Perform FCS Preseason All-American, OVC Preseason Defensive Player of the Year, and ranked No. 10 among the top returning linebackers in the FCS by Sports Illustrated.

Norman stated that he is grateful for the awards, as they motivate him to prove himself to the rest of the conference.

“I appreciate getting the awards, but it puts a little pressure on me, because they’re preseason awards, now I have to go out there and prove that I am the best defense player in the conference, where we have a bunch of good defense players,” Norman said.

Norman’s impact on the Redhawks defense cannot be understated, as he leads and impacts every part of the defense when he plays due to his effort and mindset during games.

“I think what makes a good linebacker is you show up all over the field, pass, run everywhere, and he does. He's such a productive guy. The best thing about him is he's just really consistent,” Head Coach Tom Matukewicz said. “I think what makes Bryce good is he is super, uber competitive, and he’s got great instincts,”

Norman’s impact can also be seen in his work ethic on the football field, as inside linebacker coach Connor Benado said this is what inspires people to follow Norman.

“I mean, just turn the tape on. I mean, he's a guy that inspires you with how he plays. He doesn't say much, but when he does, people listen. He's not the big rah rah guy that's up in front of everybody, but when he says something, everybody listens,” Benado said.

Although Norman was a prestigious athlete in high school winning the state championship in 2020,and earning multiple Defensive Player of the Year honors - he has only improved at the collegiate level, particularly in his football IQ.

“He was a great player from the start, but what you really saw was his evolution with his football IQ, he's always been a high effort guy, that's what he hangs his hat on, a lot of his tackles he makes from the other side of the field, but one thing you'll you'll see him continue to prove even from last year to this year, is his football IQ and situational football,” Benado said.

A Jackson native and the son of a former SEMO player, Norman shares a deep connection to Southeast Missouri, and is proud to represent and be supported by the community around him.

“Growing up in Jackson we are a football town, and then being able to come here my dad played, it feels really good, and just having all the community support around me, and being able to see the community come and watch them here at SEMO, it's been great,” Norman said.

As he embarks on his senior season, what could be his last year at SEMO, when all is said and done Norman wants to be remembered for his work ethic and upstanding nature.

“I would just say (I want to be known for), being the guy that they always talk about for being the hard worker, being a good role model- not only with my voice, but by leading by example,” Norman said.

The Redhawks played their first game against the University of North Alabama in the FCS Kickoff Classic, on Aug. 24,where Norman picked up right where he left off, recording seven tackles and helping lead the Redhawks to a 34-15 win.

The Redhawks’ next game is against New Mexico State on Saturday, Aug. 31, at 8 p.m.