Razorbacks Two-Minute Drill: Big Play Lifts Arkansas, Norton's Spirits

FAYETTEVILLE - Jerell Norton might have needed last week's game-changing interception against South Carolina as much as his Arkansas team did.

Norton helped turn the tide in last week's 33-16 victory with an interception in the end zone. Arkansas was clinging to a 17-16 lead when Norton swooped in and picked off his first pass of the season.

From there the Razorbacks rolled. Norton is hoping for a similar jump-start personally.

"I needed that more than anything," said Norton, who has just four tackles this season. Norton was held out of the previous week's game because of "coach's decision."

Norton has been shuffled between cornerback and safety this year. He missed the bulk of 2008 with injuries and said only recently has he felt completely comfortable with his role.

Intercepting that pass last week helped Norton know he is on the right track. He'll be back at safety this week in some packages against Troy and said he has benefited from going back and forth between the positions.

"Moving to safety was the best thing for me," Norton said. "It helped me learn the defense better. When I went back to corner last week I knew more about where I was supposed to be and where my guys were supposed to be."

Norton is thankful to be playing anywhere. He has yet to complete a season without an injury since 2007 when he tied a school record with five interceptions.

Coaches have worked to develop a trust in Norton, who had a propensity for giving up big plays in practice. Norton has eliminated big mistakes and seems to be back in the mix for playing time.

"He's practicing hard. He's doing a nice job," defensive coordinator Willy Robinson said. "He's bringing a lot of energy. Anytime you have positive plays like he had, his confidence level is very high."