South Carolina LB Norwood to return

Jan 5, 2009 - 8:08 PM COLUMBIA, South Carolina (Ticker) -- South Carolina linebacker Eric Norwood will return to the Gamecocks after all.

Norwood changed his mind Monday, announcing he will return for his senior season despite declaring after the Outback Bowl that he would enter the 2009 NFL draft.

Norwood led the Southeastern Conference with nine sacks this past season to go along with 75 tackles.

"I've been thinking it over and, after sitting down with my family, I have decided it would be best for me to return to South Carolina for another year," said Norwood. "Coming back for my senior year will not only improve my NFL draft status but will also help the team out."