Slade Norris enters the season with high expectations

Slade Norris pays some attention to the media and the Internet, and even accepts criticism when he reads it.

Being one of the senior defensive ends with big numbers back from an Oregon State football team that produced the No. 8 defense in country last year should make him a cornerstone for the coming season.

Norris is penciled in as the starting right end with his experience, knowledge of the system and locker room leadership qualities.

However, it’s still an uphill battle for respect outside the program.

“He’s been here long enough, and I think guys look up to him,” defensive line coach Joe Seumalo said. “He’s contributed enough that guys can look to him as a leader and a mentor. The young guys lean heavy on him.”

Norris, a Portland native out of Jesuit High, is trying to make the transition from third down pass-rush specialist to an every-down end, while overcoming the stigma of being too small.

However, he’s not too concerned because the journey to this point hasn’t been easy.

Norris started out as a walk-on safety with a history of injury problems. After two years at OSU he appeared to be lost on the depth chart behind the scholarship players.

“His body has changed dramatically through the years,” coach Mike Riley said. “He’s one of our great developmental stories, from a safety to a linebacker to defensive end.”

Norris will need to be at the top of his game in his latest role. He’s a little undersized for a starter in his position, being 6-foot-3, 250 pounds.

Both starters last season, Dorian Smith and Jeff Van Orsow, had 10 or more pounds on him, and they were on the small side.

Pounding into 300-pound tackles on a regular basis will be difficult. The Beavers use a deep rotation of linemen to keep them fresh during games, so that will help.

“He’s going to need, just what those guys did a year ago, someone behind him to play once in a while to maintain the platoon of eight-to-10 guys on the defensive line,” Riley said. “It’s not really Slade; it’s who’s the next guy? But, yes, he’s ready to go in and play on first down, and still play on third down. He’ll need Kevin Frahm, Carl Sommer and Ben Terry to give him a break. And that will make him all that much more effective.”

Norris was still concerned about his weight during the offseason. He talked with the coaches about what needed to be done.

They advised him to just strive to get stronger, and if the weight comes, then it’s a bonus.

“As long as you have quick reactions — like (left starting end) Victor (Butler) and I have — that’s all you need,” Norris said. “You can counter the size with the speed. And I feel stronger than I ever have by far.”

Topping last year’s production will be difficult, even with added playing time. Norris had 16 tackles, 10 for a loss of yardage, and nine quarterback sacks.

His explosive speed off the end on passing downs allowed him to get around offensive tackles, a running back at times, and reach quarterbacks quickly. Success only made him eager for more opportunities.

“I’m excited about this year,” Norris said. “Last year I had fun playing on third down, but by the end of the season I was frustrated. I wanted to get in more and play. I knew I could compete like the guys who were there. And I will be this year.”

Defensive end turned into a good position for him to use his attributes. He didn’t have defensive back speed, but is fast enough to be a quick linebacker.

With a deep group of young linebackers and a need on the defensive line, that was the reason Norris moved closer to the line of scrimmage the spring before his junior season.

A strong showing at his new position before his breakout year, and a standout season on special teams as a sophomore, helped him earn a scholarship.

Going into his second season with experience at the same position makes a big difference to his approach.

“I’m a lot more comfortable than I was last year,” Norris said of his second season at end. “I’ve learned so much from watching Dorian and Jeff last year and getting playing experience. And going up against Andy Levitre last spring, who is one of the best tackles in the nation, helped build me up to be a better player.”

During his final season Norris hopes to hold down his starting spot, even as younger players and a junior college transfer challenge him. The constant struggle to get where he is helps fuel his desire to stay there.

And while each step of his OSU career was a challenge, the end result has been worth the effort.

“Honestly, coming in I never thought I would be where I am now, playing in the defensive line,” Norris said. “The Lord works in mysterious ways. I just had to work through it and find a spot. I found my niche, and I’ll try to excel the best I can. It’s a dream come true.”

DEFENSIVE END BREAKDOWN

No. 90 Victor Butler: Speedy pass-rusher ready for an every-down role.

No. 58 Slade Norris: Good leader, and a speedy pass rusher, also a new starter.

No. 74 Kevin Frahm: On the verge of a breakthrough with hard work.

No. 55 Ben Terry: Has JC experience and could be an important factor.

No. 94 Carl Sommer: Athletic and getting bigger to take on larger role.

No. 93 Simi Kuli: The five-star athlete won’t be here until after Sept. 1.

Others: Tonu Tuimalealiifano, Tom Hansen, Taylor Henry, Curtis Dodson.