Bond runs deep for Munnerlyn, Norwood

Published June 12, 2010 at 10:36 p.m.
CHARLOTTE -- Moments after the Carolina Panthers selected South Carolina's Eric Norwood in the fourth round of the NFL draft in April, a text arrived from Panthers' cornerback Captain Munnerlyn.

"Great pick," Munnerlyn wrote to The Observer. "That's my boy."

Thanks to Munnerlyn, former college teammate Norwood is no stranger to Bank of America Stadium.

Munnerlyn, a 2009 seventh-round pick, had a surprisingly strong rookie season and provided tickets for Norwood to come to some games.

Now they're reunited as teammates and continuing the close friendship that began when they nervously waited to see if they'd gain admission to South Carolina as freshmen in 2006.

Both had signed scholarships with the Gamecocks, but the school flagged their ACT scores as being higher than anticipated based on their high school GPA.

"I felt like it was unfair," said Munnerlyn. "I felt like they believed that we cheated to get into school."

Munnerlyn said, in his case, he didn't excel academically in high school until he realized he had a chance to earn a college football scholarship. He said he "probably played around until it was time to get serious to get to college."

The uncertainty of whether they'd get to fulfill their dream of playing for the Gamecocks formed a bond between Munnerlyn and Norwood.

"It was kind of nerve-wracking sitting at home and not being out there with your teammates while they were out there for summer workouts and then having to take special entrance tests," said Norwood. "It kind of makes you feel like you're not even smart.

"It's just one of those things (in which) you have to come out and (play) with a chip on your shoulder, on the field and off the field."

Eventually the school admitted both of them and they went on to enjoy academic success. Both majored in criminal justice. Munnerlyn said he was seven classes short of graduation when he turned pro after his junior season in 2008. He said he plans to complete his work for a degree. Norwood, who stayed for his senior season, graduated in 31/3 years.

On the field, both became dynamic defensive players for the Gamecocks.

Munnerlyn, despite being undersized at 5-8, specialized in being a shut-down cornerback and kick returner, while Norwood excelled as a pass rusher and linebacker. They roomed together as sophomores and juniors.

"He's always been my close friend" (since arriving at USC), said Munnerlyn. "I guess the stuff we had to go through to get in school (did it). We just clicked."

They planned to turn pro together after their junior seasons, but Norwood later chose to remain in school.

Munnerlyn went much lower in the '09 draft than he expected, but proved last season that he was worthy of being an earlier pick.

He was the Panthers' nickel cornerback, playing in pass situations, and spent most of the season as the team's punt returner.

Norwood (6-1, 241) benefitted from staying in school an extra year. As a senior, he became the first South Carolina player in 25 years to make the Associated Press All-America first team. He also finished his Gamecocks career as the school's all-time leader in sacks (29) and tackles for loss (55).

The Panthers hope Norwood can help their pass rush, especially since five-time Pro Bowl defensive end Julius Peppers left via free agency to sign with Chicago.

Norwood is getting practice repetitions as a defensive end in pass-rush situations and also is being used as an outside linebacker. The ACL injury to linebacker Thomas Davis is not expected to change Norwood's role.

Carolina coach John Fox calls Norwood a "designated pass rusher."

"Probably the thing I think of when I think of Eric is motor," said Fox. "He's relentless to the ball. He's got a good first step in his pass rush.

"He's pretty well put together and he's got extremely good explosion."

Norwood doesn't have flashy speed, but Fox said his pass-rush skills are still very good.

"He's got real good leverage," said Fox. "He can go from speed to power pretty quick. That athleticism and that feel – to change direction on your way to the passer – is something that's probably overlooked a little bit..."

Munnerlyn said Norwood loves the game.

"He's going to work hard, no matter what," said Munnerlyn. "I don't care if he's hurt or anything, he can play through anything."

Norwood raved about Munnerlyn's hunger to succeed.

"His attitude (is that he's) the best player on the field when he's out there," said Norwood. "Regardless of whether the receiver is 5-8 or 6-4, he's going to give it all he's got."

Once fall arrives, they'll combine their high intensity and focus against Panthers' opponents.

They're also enjoying squaring off against one another in Xbox 360 games.

"He can't beat me in basketball, but he can beat me in the football game," said Munnerlyn.

Asked if he agreed with that assessment, Norwood said, "I'll co-sign on it."

Munnerlyn has a house but said Norwood has yet to move into a permanent Charlotte residence.

"I told him he can't stay with me and he's got to get his own spot because he's making too much money," Munnerlyn said. "I'm messing with him. I'm going to help him out. I told him when he gets tired of staying in a hotel, he can come to the house and chill with me. That's my boy."

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