As the countdown to South Carolina’s 2025 football season opener continues, there’s more than just anticipation in the air—there’s nostalgia. With just 40 days to go until the Gamecocks take on Virginia Tech on August 31st at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, fans are reminded of one of the most iconic players to ever wear No. 40 in Columbia: Eric Norwood.
During the Steve Spurrier era, Norwood, an undersized but dynamic EDGE rusher from Georgia, became a cornerstone of the South Carolina defense and a legend in garnet and black.
Whether he lined up as a defensive end, outside linebacker, or even on the interior in specialized pass-rush packages, Norwood delivered. His versatility and football IQ made him a nightmare for opposing offenses. Despite being listed at just 6-foot-1 and running a modest 4.8-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, Norwood dominated the SEC.
“I don’t know if there’s been a better pure playmaker at that position in school history,” many South Carolina fans and analysts have remarked over the years. Norwood was a three-time First-Team All-SEC selection, earning those honors at both defensive end and linebacker. He was also named an All-American and Freshman All-American, all while starting for four straight seasons.
What set Norwood apart was his masterful use of leverage and angles. He consistently beat bigger and more athletic blockers by outsmarting them—whether slipping inside, bending around the edge, or shaking free with an elite block-shedding technique. His vision and understanding of the game also made him an excellent run-stopper and off-ball linebacker when called upon.
From 2007 to 2009, Norwood ranked second on the team in tackles and added three career touchdowns—two on fumble recoveries in a single game against Kentucky (an NCAA record still tied today) and another via interception versus Georgia in 2009. That versatility and knack for big plays put him in rare company.
By the numbers, Norwood’s resume is unmatched in school history:
- 29 career sacks – most in Gamecock history
- 54.5 tackles for loss – another school record
- Led or tied for the team lead in sacks all four seasons
- Ranks in the top 10 for solo tackles in program history
- Led the team in interceptions as a senior
- Two-time Academic All-American
- Team captain in 2008 and 2009
Norwood’s presence helped elevate the Gamecocks’ defensive identity. In 2005, before his arrival, the team ranked near the bottom of the SEC in yards and points allowed. By the time he left, South Carolina had become a top-5 unit in both categories, laying the groundwork for the elite 2010-2013 defenses led by players like Jadeveon Clowney and Melvin Ingram.
His rapid rise to Gamecock royalty was solidified in 2017 when he was inducted into the University of South Carolina Lettermen’s Hall of Fame—one of the fastest inductions in school history. A year later, he was chosen as South Carolina’s SEC Legend, a fitting title for one of the most respected and decorated defensive players the program has ever produced.
As the 2025 season approaches, the number 40 doesn’t just mark the countdown. For South Carolina fans, it symbolizes toughness, leadership, and a legacy that continues to inspire.
