1 on 1 with the Eagles’ WR Jordan Norwood

I had an exclusive discussion with the Philadelphia Eagles‘ own WR out of Penn State University, Jordan Norwood. The young target has interviewed with us in previous instances, but my talk with him this time around was certainly of more importance, especially because of the occasion and the fact that he was signed to a 3-year contract only about a week ago. Without further ado, here is the interview with Mr. Norwood:

Question: This isn’t the first time we’ve spoken, Jordan, but things have certainly changed since our last interview. Obviously, the biggest thing is the state of the team. The Eagles’ loss to Dallas in the opening round of the playoffs not only gave the Cowboys a 3-game sweep of Philly during the season, but it also sent the Birds home for the offseason. What were some general thoughts you had after that game?

Answer: You know, it was pretty frustrating ending our season with two losses to the same team, in the fashion that we lost. It’s something that will definitely create a tone and mindset for the off season, of getting better.

Q: You as an individual player have somewhat of a chance to rebound from the dismal feelings by attempting to make the final roster this offseason. Obviously you didn’t have that chance last year, seeing that you were a rookie free agent and with the Browns. What are you going to do to compete for a spot in the coming months?

A: I am just going to do what I have been…which is working hard and doing what is asked of me. There’s not a lot to it other than that since nothing else is really in my control.

Q: In previous discussions, I’ve brought up your smaller frame and weight, and I have tried to associate you with the “speedy receiver” type, but you seemed to remain firm with the thought that your success is not based off a specific skill. Have you done or planned to do anything since the end of the year in terms of changing your style of play, adding a few pounds, and so on?

A:Putting on weight is something that I have been working at since I was in college, and its something that I will continue to do. I focused on it last spring in preparation for the Combine and–probably because of some techniques that weren’t the best–found myself slowing down a little bit in terms of speed. So, now, I pay more attention to making sure I am putting on healthy weight and getting stronger.

Q: Going back to the topic of you trying to make the team, do you feel that you have a better chance knowing that many are expecting Kevin Curtis, Reggie Brown, or even both to be released or traded?

A: What goes on with Kevin Curtis and Reggie Brown are certainly out of my control, so I can’t worry too much about that. I will say, though, that they are both great, proven players that I look up to…and I look forward to learning as much as I can from them here in the future.

Q: Was there one specific player that you looked up to or bonded with? I know you established a relationship with Dobson Collins on the practice squad, but was there someone else–particularly in your brief stint with the active roster–that you were close to?

A: No one specific. The entire receiving corps, including Dobson and I on the practice squad, got a long together very well. So, I had no problem asking any of them if I needed help with the play book or with some technique work.

Q: We’re going to wrap up this brief discussion with a new thing called “4 Downs”, something similar to end-of-the-show segments TV programs like ESPN use, and I will basically be throwing you some quick concluding questions–4 of them–to close out the interview with a bit of fun…First Down: There have been quite a few rumors thrown around regarding Donovan McNabb, Kevin Kolb, and Michael Vick…what is your take on the Quarterback situation?

A: That’s really none of my business to comment on, as it’s more between the organization and those guys. I will say, though, that all three of them are great guys to work with and play with and I would hope that they’re all here in the future.

Q: Second Down: On an article series here called Eagle Chirps from Twitter, we pick out a few of the day’s most interesting tweets from various Philadelphia players and reporters, and one of your’s was selected for the debut edition. I believe you were mentioning your dinner plans for the night…have any comment on that?

A: [laughs] I’m guessing you’re refering to my cooking… I try to get some use out of my stove top from time to time and make sure my cooking skills don’t get rusty!

Q: Third Down: We haven’t talked about your collegiate career a lot. Do you have any reflections or thoughts about being coached by one of the most prolific leaders in NCAA history–Joe Paterno?

A: Yeah, it is great to have had the opportunity to play for coach Paterno. He is someone that everyone knows and associates with all of the good things of college football.

Q: And finally, Fourth Down: The NFL Draft is coming up in a few months, and you being a Wide Receiver, could you tell us who you believe is the top prospect at that position?

A: I didn’t get to watch a whole lot of college football this year aside from Penn State, so I will start with saying my favorite college Wide Receiver is Graham Zug from my old school. In terms of who is top rated I’d say Dez Bryant from Oklahoma State has to be up there. He has made a lot of big plays and catches, though he didn’t play a lot this year.

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We hope that you enjoyed this exclusive discussion with the Eagles’ own Jordan Norwood!

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