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With the 245th pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers have selected Oklahoma Sooners DB Tre Norwood. Starting the final five games of the 2020 season at nickel, Norwood led OU with five interceptions during his redshirt junior campaign.
Yessir‼️
— Oklahoma Football (@OU_Football) May 1, 2021
7️⃣th Rd, 2️⃣4️⃣5️⃣th overall@trenorwood_3 ➡️ @steelers#SpeedD #OUDNA pic.twitter.com/QAIYMqj5Cr
While his decision to declare was not something that was expected, the Fort Smith Northside product looked to capitalize on a very strong ending to the season, with all five of his picks coming in the final six game of the campaign. Additionally, Norwood earned his degree from OU in December, so the decision to move on was understandable. In the end, Norwood was indeed drafted, and Sooner nation is thrilled for him.
Norwood came to Norman as a three-star prospect in 2017 and made an immediate impression on the staff with his speed and quickness, and he’d eventually take a starting cornerback spot from struggling senior Jordan Thomas. Unfortunately, he was slight of build at the time, and opponents would often take advantage of that fact over the next two seasons.
During the 2019 offseason, Norwood suffered a season-ending injury. New DC Alex Grinch had envisioned him playing a key role in the defense due to the fact that he was able to get his weight up, and it proved beneficial after he returned in 2020. After seizing the starting nickel duties midway through the season, he never looked back.
TRE NORWOOD PICK-SIX it’s 14-0 and it’s not even 3 minutes in... #CottonBowl pic.twitter.com/OnK8MK4MtJ
— Dylan Lowe (@DylanLoweNFL) December 31, 2020
Coach Tomlin with the scouting report on @trenorwood_3! #SpeedD #OUDNA
— Oklahoma Football (@OU_Football) May 1, 2021
#NFLDraft on @nflnetwork pic.twitter.com/7fIVk8DhgO