Norton feels that family attitude

If you ask Rowlett, Texas inside linebacker Jared Norton about being committed to the University of Texas, he won't just talk about playing football but being part of a family.

That's what the 6-foot-3, 232-pound four-star rated linebacker has learned in the last few months as he and other UT commits like Eddie Jones, Lamarr Houston Sergio Kindle, and Philip Payne all keep close tabs on each other by phone.

Norton calls it a new friendship and more.

"It's more of a family here at Texas," Norton said. "If you don't feel it, you probably made the wrong decision. Phillip and the other guys in-state, we usually talk about playoffs, but most of us are out of it now. The rest of the time, we talk about the future. It's a close bond we're building here already."

That bond has kept Norton as one of the strongest commits for the Texas class. Norton, the No. 7 rated inside linebacker, has been in about as much contact as possible with coaches Bobby Kennedy and Gene Chizik.

"I talked to them last night actually," Norton said. "Coach Chizik told me that the linebackers there know about me and he says that if I can come in and really do well, I can make an instant impact. He'd rather me play than have me redshirt. I'm getting ready right now."

Not only did Norton do well this year on the field, but the Longhorn coaches have to love his drive that keeps him pushing.

"I missed my tackle goal by five," Norton said. "I ended up with a total of 195 tackles. I guess that's still good, but I was shooting for a few more."

That drive has him working on one of his strong suits – speed.

"I feel like I'm going to bring speed to the table," Norton said. "They've got some great linebackers there already, but if I can bring some extra ability, it can only help. It's going to be real good. I'm excited about just getting there."

Norton is rated as the No. 17 overall prospect in the state of Texas.