Norris stands strong against struggles

After creating The Eagle Effort Award to influence academic improvement in Chadron’s elementary school, Chadron State’s Jake Norris is one-of-22 student-athletes nominated for the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team. 

People can vote at espn.com/allstate to vote with the polls closing Nov. 22. 

“I’m proud to do something that’s going to make an impact and do the right thing,” Norris said. “It’s truly something special I couldn’t have done alone.”  

According to CSC Head Football Coach Jay Long, Norris, 22, senior of Fort Morgan, Colorado, is the second Eagle to be nominated for this award and the coach said he could not be more proud of Norris.  

From an early age, Norris was surrounded by football.  

Norris plays right guard at Chadron State College but began his football journey as a running back during his time as a Green Bay Packer in flag football at age 5.  

Norris’s first touchdown came on a 35-yard run during a flag football game which he celebrated with a spike of the football.  The big moment was short lived though, as his father looked at him and said, “act like you’ve been there before,” Norris said. 

Norris played tackle football from second to sixth grade but spent his final season on the bench after he developed a fear of hitting. Norris was an aggressive player whose style was viewed as too rough by his father who thought it could lead to injuries.  

By middle school, Norris debuted as an offensive lineman, but had carried his fear of hitting into high school. He was smaller than most players which added to his troubles. His sophomore year Norris hit a small growth spurt, boosting his confidence and he finally started for the team as a senior. 

When Norris arrived at Chadron State, it was a hard adjustment. Prior to students arriving for classes, he  was the only football player to live in Edna Hall freshman year. 

Norris said it was the hardest point of college and that if it wasn’t for Coach Long, teammate Sam McKinley, senior of Colorado Springs, Colorado, and his family he would not still be playing. McKinley said that Norris was there for him and helped him just as much.  

According to McKinley, Norris is an exceptional leader. “He always tries to lead by example in everything we do,” he said. “He goes out of his way to help people.” 

Norris’s freshman year was a time of growth for him as a football player, he said, which he credits  to CSC’s strength and conditioning program along with the tough practices held by the Eagles’ football team.  

Of many CSC traditions, Norris derives the most pleasure from hosting the Eagle-Rock trophy after victories against South Dakota School of Mines. 

Two weeks ago, Norris got to hold it once again. 

“It’s our expectation to have that trophy and it’s a good feeling to show it,” He said. “Not everyone sees the hard work that goes into our practices, film study and preparation every week to earn those victories.”