West Texas: Elite 2024 WR talks transfer to 5A program
One of the top 2024 wide receivers in West Texas has switched schools. Six-foot-2, 170-pound WR Braylen Norman Braylen Norman 6'2" | 170 lbs | WR Palo Duro | 2024 State TX , who already holds multiple offers, including one…
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Continue ReadingOne of the top 2024 wide receivers in West Texas has switched schools.
Six-foot-2, 170-pound WR Braylen Norman Braylen Norman 6'2" | 170 lbs | WR Palo Duro | 2024 State TX , who already holds multiple offers, including one earlier this month from Eastern New Mexico, has transferred to Class 5A Amarillo (TX) Palo Duro from 2A Amarillo (TX) Highland Park.
Norman told Prep Redzone Texas that he made the move about a month ago.
“I transferred to Palo Duro because I moved (in) with my mom, who lives in that school district,” said Norman, who had 61 receptions for 1,144 yards and 17 TD for Highland Park as a junior in 2022.
Palo Duro competes in District 5A-2 with Abilene Cooper, Lubbock, Plainview, Wichita Falls Rider and Abilene Wylie. The Dons finished fourth in the district last season to earn a spot in the playoffs but were eliminated in the first round by Canutillo.
Norman knows transferring to Palo Duro means a significant step up in competition. The Dons’ 2023 non-district schedule features matchups with Tascosa, Caprock, Lubbock Estacado, West Plains and Randall.
“I most definitely expect better competition playing 5A ball,” Norman said. “Not taking anything away from the 2A and 3A competition I faced while at Highland Park, but I just feel that since 5A is the second largest classification, the competition should get better.
“Bigger schools have more athletes to choose from. I face off against most of these guys through the summer (in camps and 7-on-7) so they know how I’m coming and I know how they’re coming. It’s going to be exciting and fun!”
After making the move, Noman wasted little time getting acclimated with his new teammates, and vice versa.
“Summer workouts are going great,” Norman said. “The coaches are amazing and the guys accepted me right away. They made me feel like I was a part of the team immediately. The weight room work is super intense and I’m loving every second of it. That’s where I notice the most difference so far between 5A and 2A. The gym work is crazy!”
Norman holds three offers. He plans to attend the Northern Colorado mega-camp this weekend. He attended camp at Texas Tech last weekend and recently visited Arizona State and New Mexico State. He attended Junior Day at West Texas A&M in Canyon, TX. Norman took an unofficial visit to Arizona in January.
Norman says one school is standing out to him right now.
“I have a ton of colleges showing me interest, from NAIA to D1, but the one school showing me the most love is Augustana University,” Norman said. “Coach Bradshaw is an awesome guy and he actually tries to build a relationship with you. He and I will be linking up this weekend at the Northern Colorado Mega camp so he can see me work out live.”
Augustana University is located in Sioux Falls, SD.