James Normand, 6-2, 265 pound center prospect from Oak Ridge (Tenn.) is beginning to get some interest from a few schools. Normand, who anchors the Wildcat offensive line, has also contributed on the defensive line. Normand listed the schools showing him interests, “I’m receiving the most mail and interest from the University of Virginia and Vanderbilt. They have been sending a lot.”
With a solid junior season Normand has been garnering some invitations to games from programs like Tennessee, Duke, and Vanderbilt. He said of his most recent visit to Vanderbilt, “I really like the school and the coaches. They are really showing a lot of interest in me right now. When I got there I got to meet with Coach Cain and Coach Johnson and they said they want me to get them a film.”
Another visit for Normand was to Raleigh to take in a Duke Blue Devils game. He said of the visit, “I really think Duke is a great program with great academics. I really like Coach Cutcliffe and Coach Luke, who is the offensive line coach, because they seem to be committed to making the program better.”
For Normand growing up near Knoxville has always provided him with opportunities to keep up with the Tennessee Volunteers. However, this season he had the unique opportunity to watch a game in Neyland stadium as a recruit. He said of the Volunteers, “It was an awesome experience. I really enjoyed getting to see the facilities and have the experience. I think it is a great program and I am very interested to learn more in the program.”
Normand will be a prospect to keep on your radar as we move through the end of season and toward the combine season. With some strong combine performances Normand may start to get a few more looks rolling into the 2009 football season.