PORT ORANGE — Derry Norris momentarily pulled a quick one in entrance of a crowded room of household, buddies, teammates and coaches.
Spruce Creek’s 6-foot-4, 270-pound rising senior defensive lineman took a Miami hat from his father, positioned it upon his head — and tossed it apart. Then, Norris reached down beneath his desk and picked a distinct ACC program as an alternative.
Norris verbally dedicated to Georgia Tech on Friday night time, selecting the Yellow Jackets not solely over Miami however the Massive 10 duo of Minnesota and Purdue. He took official visits to all 4 faculties through the month of June, however Georgia Tech set a precedent no different program might clear.
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“There’s all the time love for Miami, however I simply really feel like Georgia Tech is the very best choice for me,” mentioned Norris, who intends to review engineering whereas taking part in for the Yellow Jackets.
“I simply wished to go someplace to be myself. As soon as I went by way of all these visits, I had seen various things and in contrast the completely different faculties. I simply really feel like Georgia Tech hit all of the factors proper on the pinnacle with out me asking something.”
Norris earned a Volusia-Flagler All-Space Defensive Participant of the 12 months nomination as a junior after recording 13 tackles for loss, 9½ sacks and 20 quarterback pressures. Claiming greater than three-dozen Division I gives, Norris is the No. 74 general participant on the USA TODAY Florida Community’s Prime 100 for the 2025 class.
Hawks coach Andy Value expects Norris to bulk up in faculty and play alongside the defensive inside.
“He is very explosive, and really quick. He ran a 4.6 (-second, 40-yard sprint) laser a pair occasions final yr,” Value mentioned. “I feel he makes use of his palms nicely and strikes individuals. He is good in opposition to the run and is an excellent cross rusher. Clearly the following degree is a bit more specialised, however I feel early on he can assist as each a run stuffer and cross rusher.”
Spruce Creek’s roster now options three Division I Soccer Bowl Subdivision-committed seniors: Norris, extensive receiver Tony Kinsler (Pittsburgh) and defensive again Kamron Chamble (Kennesaw State). The Hawks went 7-4 final season, qualifying for the FHSAA’s Area 3-4S playoffs.
Kinsler seems to be ahead to potential head-to-head matchups in opposition to Norris following one final trip collectively. Pittsburgh and Georgia Tech are as a consequence of play thrice between 2025-28, in accordance with the ACC’s future soccer schedule mannequin.
“I have been taking part in him since like 10U (10-and-under),” Kinsler mentioned. “It will be a reuniting sort of second.
“They’re, for certain, getting a canine.”
Georgia Tech at present enjoys a top-20 nationwide class, in accordance with 247Sports’ composite rankings. Norris turns into the Yellow Jackets’ twentieth verbal commit, and fourth defensive lineman — becoming a member of Peach State edge rushers Andre Fuller (Loganville, Ga.) and Carrington Coombs (Dacula, Ga.), and defensive deal with Kamron Cullins (Kennesaw, Ga.).
The Yellow Jackets, who polished off a 7-6 marketing campaign final December with a 30-17 victory over UCF within the Gasparilla Bowl, open the 2024 season with a visit to Eire to face convention rival Florida State.
“Their recruiting class is unquestionably going to explode with me coming in and serving to them recruit,” Norris mentioned. “It is on the rise. By the point I get there, we must be going actual deep and doing so much.”
This text initially appeared on The Daytona Seashore Information-Journal: Soccer recruiting: Derry Norris chooses Georgia Tech over Miami, Minnesota
