The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/337607
170 ■ THE WOLVERINE 2014 FOOTBALL PREVIEW BY ANDY REID F or one moment during Michigan's 33‑28 loss to South Carolina in the 2013 Outback Bowl, the ESPN cameras captured a glimpse of what it's like to be Dennis Norfleet in the seconds before the chaos of a kickoff. Standing on the goal line, awaiting a boot from the kicker, Norfleet gained Internet fame for dancing, waving his arms in the air and reciting the lyrics to a rap song. In the blink of an eye, 11 garnet‑garnered Game‑ cocks would be barreling down the field at full speed, solely intent on clobbering the 5‑7, 167‑pound kick return specialist. And that's exactly the way Norfleet likes it. "That is my favorite play, my favorite thing to do on a football field," said Norfleet, now a junior. "I know my role on the team. I know what I have to bring to the table. Good returns and having a lot of energy, to give the team some fire. I love knowing that I can start us off right with a big return. It is enough for me to make sure I'm doing the right thing and putting us in a good posi‑ tion. That's what makes me happy, that the coaches and teammates have the respect for me and what I can bring to the table. "As I have been playing, I have learned A Fresh Outlook Dennis Norfleet Was On The Brink Of Losing His Dream, But A New Attitude Has Him On The Cusp Of U-M Records 170-173.Dennis Norfleet.indd 170 6/19/14 2:17 PM