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rom five major knee surgeries, to four different college football programs, graduate student Stanley “Scrappy” Norman has displayed perseverance and toughness throughout his career.
Norman grew up in Los Angeles, California and was quickly recognized in the area for his talent and playing style. Norman was playing football at recess, when the football coach saw him and told him he needed to go to practice that afternoon.
“Growing up in south-central LA, it’s hard, you got to go out there and earn your stripes. When I first started playing football, they gave me the nickname Scrappy. In youth football, the pop warner and high school coaches saw how I played, and the name has stuck since,” Norman said.
Once Norman started junior high, more high school and youth football programs began to recruit him. One of the coaches that recruited him was Snoop Dogg, who had recently started the Snoop Youth Football League at that time.
“I have a close relationship with Snoop and his kids. He always wanted me to play for his team, but I didn’t play with him until my last year of junior high. That was the stepping stone for me, letting me know I was ready for high school ball. Snoop’s team had all the best players from southern California and I had won MVP of the whole league,” Norman said.
Domination continued in high school ball for Norman. As a freshman,he attended Long Beach Polytechnic High School, the same school that produced the pro bowl receiver DeSean Jackson. After playing varsity as a freshman, Norman then transferred to Culver City High School, the same high school his siblings graduated from. Norman was moved to the cornerback position, and made a name for himself nationally. In his first season at corner, he racked up over 70 tackles and had seven interceptions. He went on to be named a three time all-American, and was a top 100 prospect in the nation, with offers from Alabama, Florida State and more.
For his senior season, he transferred to Junipero Serra High School, where he was slated to replace future NFL cornerback Adoree Jackson.
“I came in and I was Adoree Jackson’s replacement. Then we get to week six, our first league game, and I tear my ACL on national TV. Keep in mind that I have a visit to Washington State that weekend. A few months, later I decided to participate in the Army All American bowl, which was always my dream, even though I couldn’t play. I committed to Arizona State at halftime,” Norman said.
Despite the significant injury, Norman retained all of his scholarship offers and went to Tempe to get ready for his college career with Arizona State University.
“After I get out there, I’m with a couple of my teammates from LA. We go to a players-only workout, and I was like ‘I’m gonna go try it out.’ I make it to the end of the practice and I tear my ACL again, same knee, within ten months.”
With another full year of recovery ahead for Norman, he took the year off of school and football. Following that year, Arizona State coaches were fired and Norman decided that ASU wasn’t the place for him anymore.
Norman went the junior college route and was slated to play at Chaffey Community College. As a former top prospect, Norman was playing both offense and defense for the team. However, rehab wasn’t as smooth as his previous surgeries, and Norman tore his ACL in the same knee for the third time. After surgery, he moved back home for rehab and to play for Cerritos Community College in California.
At Cerritos, he played his freshman season in 2017. He had a successful year, despite a torn meniscus in the same right knee before the season that required surgery. Signing day came around and he had multiple Division I schools interested again. Lamar University, located in Beaumont, Texas was the first to pull the trigger on Norman and he quickly committed there. It was at this time that Norman and his girlfriend, Tijera were having a son, Stanley Norman Jr.
“Having a son was one of the greatest moments in my life. I was always mature, but it made me tighten up even more. I want to wake up everyday and give it everything I have. [I want] to leave that legacy for my son, so when he gets older he knows to keep fighting for what he wants. I had to grow up, so I moved out to Texas that year and brought my lady and my son,” Norman said.
By the time the season came around, Norman was feeling good and healthy. He learned in training camp that the coach was moving a senior safety to the cornerback spot to try to get him NFL interest.
“I didn’t start the first game but I got in and got an interception, but I’m not wearing my knee brace. I tried to take it back to the house, to show I can still do what I do, but I tore my ACL for the fourth time. So I had to go through the recovery process for another whole year. Then, once I get healthy, I play a full season, but the next year COVID hits. So I graduated in December, opted out of the season and hit the transfer portal,” Norman said.
That spring, Norman committed to play for Coach Tremaine Jackson and CMU, making it his fourth college football program. Norman was an impact player, not allowing a touchdown all season.
Norman shined during the Mavericks week 1 win against William Jewell College to start his 2022 campaign. He led the team with seven tackles and also recorded two pass breakups.
Following this football season, Norman plans to graduate with another degree, in sports management. He has dreams of running a sports academy while continuing his business, Cultivating Haircare, with his girlfriend. He also plans to pursue the NFL by competing at CMU’s pro day.
Norman has displayed perseverance and toughness throughout his college career, while also reaching his personal goals along the way. The Mavericks defense will be leaning on the veteran this season as their passionate leader on defense.
