Norris enters transfer portal

After appearing in only two games in two years at Indiana, Madison Norris is exploring other options. The rising redshirt sophomore defensive end announced Monday that he has entered his name in the transfer portal, likely ending his time with the Hoosiers.

A three-star recruit out of Hamilton Southeastern, Norris was one of the top-ranked state-of-Indiana prospects in the 2018 recruiting cycle. Rivals ranked him as the No. 34 weak-side end and he picked Indiana over Purdue, Louisville, Missouri and Tennessee. A state champion in the 110-meter hurdles, Norris brought an explosive first step to IU’s defensive line, but has seemingly struggled to add the necessary weight to be a regular contributor.

The 6-foot-5 Norris weighed 198 pounds during his first summer on campus, while scarfing down 5,000 calories a day to bulk up his frame. During the 2019 season, he was listed at 214 pounds.

Norris played in one game each over his first two years, and was named one of IU’s scout team players of the week leading into last season’s home finale against Michigan.

“I wanna thank the coaches and staff and Indiana University for everything that they have done for me,” Norris wrote in a message posted on Twitter, “but after talks with my family and coaches I have decided to put my name into the NCAA transfer portal.”

Michael Ziemba and Allen Stallings rotated at the weak side in 2019. Stallings graduated, while Ziemba, a rising senior, and rising redshirt junior Tramar Reece are both set to return this fall.

IU’s entire defensive line will be undergoing a transition when practices resume. Former position coach Mark Hagen left Indiana’s staff for Texas during the offseason. He’s replaced by former Tulane defensive line coach Kevin Peoples.