Eric Norwood Eric Norwood ( born May 24 , 1988 ) is an American football linebacker for the Carolina Panthers . He was selected in the fourth round at number 124 overall by the Panthers . He formerly played for the University of South Carolina . During his collegiate career , he set school career records in tackles for loss ( 54 . 5 ) and quarterback sacks ( 29 ) . With numerous conference and national honors , Norwood is one of the most decorated defensive players in SEC history . Norwood was considered a top linebacker prospect for the 2010 NFL Draft ; he draws comparisons to James Harrison . High school career . He played high school football at North Cobb High School in Acworth / Kennesaw , Georgia . Considered a three - star recruit by " Rivals . com " , Norwood was listed as the No . 34 strongside defensive end prospect nationwide in 2006 . College career . Norwood arrived at South Carolina in 2006 and immediately made an impact at the Defensive End position . In 13 games as a Freshman , he recorded 30 total tackles ( 9 . 0 for loss ) , 7 . 0 sacks , and 5 . 0 quarterback hurries . For his efforts , Norwood was named First Team Freshman All - American and All - SEC by The Sporting News . His 7 . 0 sacks tied for the team - lead , while his 5 . 0 hurries were tops for the team . In 2007 , Norwood asserted himself as one of the most effective Defensive Ends in college football . In 12 games , he recorded 69 total tackles ( 19 . 5 for loss ) , 6 . 0 sacks , 9 . 0 quarterback hurries , and 3 fumble recoveries . He was named First Team All - SEC by the league ' s coaches and Second Team All - SEC by the Associated Press . In a Thursday night game against a top 10 Kentucky squad , led by Heisman candidate Andre Woodson , Norwood turned in one of the most dominant single - game performances in NCAA history . He returned two fumbles for touchdowns , posted 5 total tackles ( all solo and 1 . 0 for loss ) , and had two pass deflections . The two touchdowns on fumble returns tied an NCAA record . After two stellar years at defensive end , Norwood moved to Linebacker for his Junior season in 2008 . The position change did not affect his performance , as he posted 75 tackles ( 14 . 5 for loss ) , 9 . 0 sacks , 9 quarterback hurries , 2 fumble recoveries , and a forced fumble . Norwood was named First Team All - SEC by both the league ' s coaches and Associated Press . After South Carolina ' s loss in the 2009 Outback Bowl , Norwood announced that he planned to enter the 2009 NFL Draft , but later changed his mind . Norwood ' s decision to return for his Senior season was a beneficial one for the Gamecocks , as he helped lead the team to a 7 - 6 record and a PapaJohns . com Bowl appearance . In addition , Norwood broke South Carolina ' s all - time sack record by dropping Jevan Snead for a 5 - yard loss during the Gamecocks 16 - 10 victory over Ole Miss . The record was previously held by defensive tackle Andrew Provence who had 26 career sacks . For the 2009 season , Norwood posted 81 tackles ( 11 . 5 for loss ) , 7 . 0 sacks , 11 quarterback hurries , 3 blocked kicks , a forced fumble , and a fumble recovery . In October 2009 , Norwood was selected to " The Sporting News " midseason All - American team . Following the conclusion of the 2009 regular season , Norwood was named a first - team All - American by the Associated Press and the Walter Camp Football Foundation .