NORMAN EYES STARTING SPOT WITH ARKANSAS

After a year of getting adjusted to the rigors and challenges of big-time college football, Jackson's Nathan Norman is ready to make his pitch for the starting fullback job with the Arkansas Razorbacks.

Norman, a 1996 Jackson High graduate, has put in a summer of serious workouts as he prepares for his sophomore season in Fayetteville. He reports to camp Tuesday with two-a-day practices set to begin Thursday.

Entering workouts for the 1997 campaign, Norman -- a robust 6-foot, 235-pounder -- is listed as co-No. 1 on the Arkansas depth chart at fullback, along with senior Alex Harris.

Norman said he is physically and mentally prepared to earn the starting position in Arkansas' backfield when the season opener is played Sept. 6.

"I feel like I'm in the best shape I've ever been," said Norman. "My goal is to be the No. 1 fullback. I feel like I'll have a good chance if things go the way I hope they will."

Norman played in all 11 Arkansas games last season as a true freshman, mostly on special teams. He did see some action in the backfield but had no rushing attempts.

"I was pretty satisfied with my first year, but it was a big adjustment from high school," Norman said. "Everybody is so much bigger and faster and the overall competition is so much better. It just took a while to get used to everything being different. I could tell in the spring that everything went a whole lot smoother, just me having already played a year."

Norman was one of the state's premier athletes while at Jackson High, earning all-state honors in football as a standout running back/linebacker and also winning a state wrestling championship.

"Nathan had a phenomenal career for us and I really believe he's going to be a heck of a football player for the Razorbacks," said Jackson coach Carl Gross. "He's such a hard worker. He had a good spring and he's really gotten himself in great shape. I know the (Arkansas) coaches are really excited about him."

Norman, who some day wants to become a teacher and coach, is also excited about the coming season as Arkansas looks to bounce back from last year's disappointing 4-7 record.

"We've got a new offensive coordinator and he's changed some things," said Norman. "I guess we were kind of young last year, but I really don't know what happened. But I think everybody has high hopes for the season."