© Kyle Robertson/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images / © Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
Offensive lineman Brady Norton is already ruffling feathers in Columbus. He’s been on campus in Ann Arbor just four months, but it hasn’t taken long to throw rivalry shade.
Norton’s managed to become the ultimate villain. It’s a role he’s seems to be embracing. The Michigan signee recently voiced his disdain for Ohio State due to the Buckeyes shady recruiting games.
Norton is a 6-foot-5 tackle that played two seasons at Cal Poly. He appeared in 15 games, making 11 starts as the Mustangs’ blindside protector.
The big man allowed just three pressures and no sacks as a sophomore across 444 pass-blocking snaps. He buoyed that production into a Big Ten promotion.
Brady Norton received plenty of interest after entering the transfer portal. Both Ohio State and Michigan reached out.
Norton admitted in a recent media interview that the Buckeyes actually got in contact first. They then ghosted him until their rival expressed interest.
@aiden.greenway Transfer Michigan OL Brady Norton says Ohio State ghosted him until after Michigan wanted him #football #transferportal #ohiostatefootball #michiganfootball #ohiostatemichigan ♬ original sound – Aiden Greenway
“They called me in the hotel room of my visit [with the Wolverines],” he recalled. “They texted me before Michigan did, really, then just kind of ghosted me. Then all of a sudden, when Michigan offered, they wanted me [back]. I found it a little odd… F— those guys.”
It seems Ohio State had an inside track. They stopped contact while searching for a better option. Michigan swooped in and got him on a visit before the Buckeyes finally decided to return his calls.
The antics put a sour taste in Brady Norton’s mouth. Ohio State is now Enemy No. 1 in more ways than one!
Norton signed with the program in December. He’ll soon have the task of keeping 5-star QB Bryce Underwood upright.
Michigan and Ohio State will meet up in their annual rivalry game in November where the Wolverines will look to continue a four-game winning streak. You can bet Norton has it marked on his calendar.