Camas' Norcross going to Portland State

The year just keeps getting better for Camas football standout John Norcross.

Sunday, he was named The Columbian’s All-Region football player of the year. A day later, he announced where he will play football in college.

Norcross, who did not have an offer as of Friday afternoon when he was interviewed by The Columbian for the All-Region project, is going to Portland State University to play linebacker.

He had a visit by PSU coaches on Thursday night last week, but no offer. He came to The Columbian’s office for a picture and interview on Friday afternoon. By Friday evening, he received the offer.

“It’s been a busy couple of days,” Norcross said. “I was definitely surprised and very excited and very happy.”

Saturday, John visited the campus.

“I loved the way it felt,” Norcross said.

Still, he took a couple of days to make sure. Monday, he said he told the coaches he would sign with the Vikings.

Norcross was voted the Class 4A Greater St. Helens League’s defensive player of the year this past season. The Papermakers won the 4A GSHL in their first season as a 4A program and made it to the state semifinals.

It was the second year in a row that Camas reached the state’s final four. Norcross was voted the 3A GSHL defensive player of the year as a junior.

This season, he also scored 17 touchdowns on offense, most as the quarterback of the Wildcat Offense and some as a tight end.

In college, though, he expects to specialize on defense.

This is the second consecutive year that PSU has come to Clark County to find more players. Kieran McDonagh of Skyview, who helped the Storm to the 2011 Class 4A state title game, was the starting quarterback this fall at PSU. Brandon Brody-Heim of Union also signed with PSU and played as a true freshman.

Norcross does not know yet if he will be asked to redshirt his first year of college. It is not even a concern for him right now. He said he plans to sign with PSU on the first day of the signing period in February.

“I’ve always heard great things about Portland State,” Norcross said. “I’m very excited for this opportunity to work with them and for them to give me this chance to become a Portland State Viking.”