Jerry Norton enshrined in Texas HS Hall of Fame

[PonyPride]

http://www.ponyfans.com/features/norton/index.asp

[ponyte]

I have seen a couple of old game films from the days when Norton played at SMU. He was very exciting to watch. Great athlete and it is wonderful he was inducted. Congratulations Jerry.

[Stallion]

Wow! 5 times All-Pro. I bet other than Forrest Gregg, Raymond Berry and Eric Dickerson he may be the only Mustang to accomplish that. Perhaps Ray Schonke. I know Doak Walker only played 5 years in pro football and was All-Pro 4 years.

[ponyte]

Norton was a great punter with great timing as well. He, on occasion, would go through the punting motion and at the last moment, pull the ball back and take off running. He made several first downs with this ability. Once, the SMU center on a punt deep snap to Norton. The defensive lineman instantly pulled down his helmet which coverd his eyes. He couldn't really see the play but did notice all the feet were moving towards his right and not down field. He adjusted his helmet and watch Norton finish about a 15 yard rushing gain.

As he returned to the huddle, he was worried he made a bad snap. He asked Jerry if he had made a bad snap and Norton reassured him that the snap was fine. Not satisfied, the deep snapper asked once again and Norton replied, "No, I just wanted to run with it."

That is the confidence of a great athlete.

[EastStang]

I don't think Schoenke was ever an All-Pro for the Redskins. Usually it was Vince Promuto and Len Hauss from the line year in and year out. But he started on the line for 12 years in the NFL.

[Stallion]

I saw a site that said Schoenke was a multi year All Pro player but it doesn't look like he got near 5.

[EastStang]

That line certainly kept Jurgenen's jersey clean for many years, although Sonny had the quickest release I've ever seen. Didn't hurt to have Bobby Mitchell, Charley Taylor and Jerry Smith to pass to, either.