Johany Jutras/CFL.ca
HAMILTON — More changes have come to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats’ defensive line, as the team officially announced the release of defensive end Eric Norwood. The news was originally reported by TSN’s Matthew Scianitti Monday afternoon.
The 27-year-old South Carolina graduate spent three seasons with the Ticats, emerging as one of the league’s premier pass-rushers. Last season he recorded seven sacks despite being limited by injuries, while in 2014 he was among league leaders with 13 sacks in 15 games.
The news continues what’s been a busy off-season for the Ticats’ defence, particularly up front. While Orlondo Steinauer returns for another season as defensive coordinator, Brian Bulcke, Justin Hickman, and Bryan Hall departed through free agency.
John Chick signed with the Ticats as a free agent while Ted Laurent returns after electing to re-sign during free agency, while the team has also added linebacker Alex Hoffman-Ellis as the Ticats look to maintain their status as one of the CFL’s top defences going into 2016.
The Ticats confirmed Norwood’s release on Tuesday along with the departure of 10 other players. Also let go were international linebacker Latarrius Thomas; defensive backs Darnell Burks and Mike Reives; offensive linemen Cord Howard and Terrael Williams; and receivers Michael preston, Cass White and Greg Thurmond.
Defensive lineman Stephen Mawa and fullback Preston Huggins were nationals released.
Norwood, a 6-foot-1, 241-pound Oakland, Calif. native, attended high school in Georgia before attending South Carolina. After being named a First-Team All-American in 2009 he was selected in the fourth round of the NFL Draft by the Carolina Panthers in 2010.
After becoming a Ticat in 2013, Norwood started in back to back Grey Cup losses to Saskatchewan and Calgary respectively.
