When UCLA cornerback Michael Norris raced down field and downed a punt inside the 10-yard line during Wednesday’s practice, it elicited this response from special teams coach Frank Gansz Jr.: “We can count on you, baby. You can deliver.”
I spoke to Gansz after practice about the return game, and although Terrence Austin leads in the competition for returning punts and kicks, he had plenty of superlatives for Norris.
“Michael Norris impresses me as a football player all around,” Gansz said. “I’m very impressed with Mike Norris right now. I’m talking about punt returns, kick returns, everything.
“I like Mike Norris as a football player. I think he’s one of the best football players on this team, and I think the guy does everything he’s supposed to be doing. And I like his consistency day-in and day-out, not only on the field, but in the classroom.”