Omarr Norman-Lott Tennessee DT: Rising Star on Vols’ Defensive Line
Omarr Norman-Lott has emerged as one of the more intriguing defensive line prospects in college football. The 6’3″, 315-pound defensive tackle transferred from Arizona State to Tennessee, where he’s continued to develop his skill set. Norman-Lott’s combination of size, strength, and pass-rushing ability makes him the 21st ranked defensive tackle in the upcoming NFL Draft class, offering NFL teams a developing interior defender with considerable upside.
The Tennessee Volunteers defender received a 2025 Reese’s Senior Bowl invitation, demonstrating the respect he’s garnered from NFL scouts. His journey from North Highlands, California to becoming a key piece of Tennessee’s defensive front speaks to his determination and growth as a player. Norman-Lott’s ability to disrupt offensive lines while maintaining discipline against the run has become his calling card in the SEC.
What separates Norman-Lott from other defensive tackle prospects is his developmental trajectory. While not yet a finished product, his consistent improvement suggests his best football may still be ahead of him. NFL teams looking for interior defensive line help will certainly have the Tennessee senior on their radar as the draft season approaches.
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Early Life and High School Career
Omarr Norman-Lott’s foundation was built in Northern California, where his athletic promise began to emerge during his formative years. His time at Grant Union High School would set the stage for his future collegiate success.
High School Achievements
Norman-Lott grew up in North Highlands, California and attended Grant Union High School in Sacramento. During his time with the Pacers, he developed into a formidable defensive line prospect, displaying the raw power and technique that would later define his college career.
As a senior, Norman-Lott emerged as one of Northern California’s premier defensive line talents. His ability to penetrate the backfield and disrupt offensive schemes caught the attention of several Division I programs. He recorded impressive numbers during his final high school season, including 8 sacks and over 60 tackles.
Norman-Lott earned three-star recruit status from major recruiting services and ranked among the top 50 defensive tackle prospects nationally in his class. His combination of size, strength, and surprising mobility made him a coveted recruit.
Beyond the football field, Norman-Lott maintained solid academic standing, understanding that his future opportunities would require both athletic and scholastic discipline. This balanced approach would serve him well as he transitioned to the collegiate level at Arizona State before eventually finding his way to Tennessee.
College Career at Arizona State
Omarr Norman-Lott’s journey at Arizona State showcased his potential as a defensive force before he ultimately sought new opportunities. His time with the Sun Devils helped establish him as a promising defensive lineman with NFL aspirations.
Freshman Year Impact
Norman-Lott arrived at Arizona State with high expectations as a talented defensive tackle prospect. During his redshirt freshman season in 2020, he immediately made his presence felt on the defensive line.
The Sacramento native collected 30 tackles with 4.0 tackles for loss and two sacks in his first active season. His performance earned him his first career start, demonstrating the coaching staff’s growing confidence in his abilities.
At 6-3 and 280 pounds, Norman-Lott possessed an impressive combination of size and quickness that made him difficult for offensive linemen to handle. His pass-rushing ability stood out early, earning an impressive 73.2 pass rush grade as a freshman.
Norman-Lott continued to develop during his time with the Sun Devils, showing versatility along the defensive front. His natural strength and leverage made him effective against both the run and pass.
Transfer to Tennessee
After showing promise at Arizona State, Norman-Lott made the decision to transfer to Tennessee, seeking to test himself against elite competition in the SEC. The move represented a significant step up in competitive level.
The defensive tackle entered the transfer portal looking for a program that could better showcase his talents to NFL scouts. Tennessee’s defensive scheme offered Norman-Lott an opportunity to demonstrate his disruptive abilities on a bigger stage.
Norman-Lott’s departure from Arizona State came as the defensive lineman sought a bigger platform to display his skills. The Volunteers program, with its SEC pedigree, provided exactly that opportunity.
His time at Arizona State had established Norman-Lott as a legitimate NFL prospect, but he believed competing in the SEC would further elevate his draft stock. The conference’s reputation for producing defensive line talent made it an attractive destination.
The transfer represented both a challenge and opportunity for Norman-Lott to prove himself against the nation’s top offensive linemen before potentially making the jump to the professional ranks.
Performance with the Tennessee Volunteers
Norman-Lott made a significant impact after transferring to Tennessee, becoming a key piece of the Vols’ defensive front. His combination of strength and quickness allowed him to disrupt opposing offenses and elevate Tennessee’s defensive line.
Statistics and Highlights
During his time with the Volunteers, Norman-Lott showcased his ability to be a force in the trenches. The defensive tackle finished his college career with 89 tackles, 17 tackles for loss and multiple sacks across his time at Arizona State and Tennessee.
At Tennessee, Norman-Lott’s presence was immediately felt as he brought stability to the interior defensive line. His ability to penetrate the backfield consistently made him a valuable asset in SEC play.
NFL scouts have taken notice of his disruptive capabilities. Current mock drafts have Norman-Lott landing with a Super Bowl contender, indicating his potential at the next level.
2023-2024 Season Statistics:
| Statistic | Number |
|---|---|
| Total Tackles | 42 |
| Tackles for Loss | 8.5 |
| Sacks | 3.5 |
| QB Hurries | 11 |
| Forced Fumbles | 1 |
Notable Games
Norman-Lott delivered standout performances in several key SEC matchups. Against Alabama, he recorded four tackles and a critical third-down stop that helped the Vols stay competitive in a close contest.
His performance against Florida was perhaps his most dominant, tallying six tackles, two tackles for loss and consistent pressure that disrupted the Gators’ offensive rhythm throughout the game.
Norman-Lott spoke about his first game as a Vol, emphasizing how comfortable he felt in Tennessee’s defensive scheme. That comfort translated to consistent production against SEC opponents.
Against Georgia, Norman-Lott held his own against one of the nation’s top offensive lines, showcasing the strength and technique that has NFL teams intrigued by his potential at the next level.
Position Analysis and Technique
Omarr Norman-Lott has developed into an intriguing defensive tackle prospect with a unique skill set. His combination of size and technical abilities makes him particularly effective in specific defensive schemes.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Norman-Lott’s greatest strength is his pass rushing ability, where he consistently shows skill in collapsing pockets. At 6-foot-4, he brings a unique blend of strength that creates problems for offensive linemen.
His first-step quickness stands out on film, allowing him to penetrate gaps before blockers can fully set their base. This quickness, combined with active hands, makes him disruptive even when he doesn’t reach the quarterback.
However, Norman-Lott still needs improvement in maintaining leverage against double teams. He occasionally plays too high, negating his natural strength advantage.
Key Technical Attributes:
- Above-average hand fighting techniques
- Good bend for his size
- Inconsistent pad level
- Still developing counter moves
Norman-Lott plays with high intensity through the whistle, which compensates for some of his technical shortcomings. NFL scouts have noted his motor as a significant positive trait.
Role within the Team
At Tennessee, Norman-Lott was primarily deployed as a pass rush specialist, often entering on obvious passing downs. The coaching staff maximized his disruptive abilities by using him in situations where his quickness could be most effective.
His production speaks to his effectiveness in this specialized role:
| Statistic | 2023 Season | 2024 Season |
|---|---|---|
| Tackles | 18 | 27 |
| TFL | 3.5 | 7.5 |
| Sacks | 2.0 | 4.5 |
| QB Hits | 9 | 14 |
Norman-Lott’s role expanded in 2024 as he improved his technique against the run. Still, he remained most valuable as an interior pass rusher who could consistently pressure quarterbacks.
Most draft analysts project Norman-Lott as a day two selection, citing his developmental upside and specialized skill set that fits modern NFL defensive schemes focused on disrupting passing games.
Impact on Team Performance
Norman-Lott’s presence on Tennessee’s defensive line transformed both their run defense and pass rush capabilities during his time with the Volunteers. His technical skills and disruptive abilities helped elevate the entire defensive unit’s performance in crucial SEC matchups.
Leadership and Morale
The former Arizona State transfer quickly became a cornerstone of Tennessee’s defensive identity after arriving in Knoxville. Despite battling injuries that limited him to just 10 games in 2023, Norman-Lott still managed to rack up an impressive 5.5 sacks in his junior season.
His work ethic and resilience set a standard for the defensive line room. Young players frequently cited Norman-Lott’s technical approach to the position as inspiration. When healthy, his ability to maintain high energy throughout games proved contagious.
The most telling indicator of his leadership value? Several NFL teams are now questioning why he didn’t receive more snaps during his Tennessee tenure, suggesting his impact transcended mere playing time.
Defensive Strategy Contributions
Norman-Lott’s versatility allowed Tennessee defensive coordinators to deploy multiple fronts without substituting personnel. His combination of leverage and play strength made him a highly disruptive force when attacking individual gaps.
The stats tell a compelling story:
| Season | Games | Sacks | Total Tackles | TFL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 10 | 5.5 | 18 | |
| 2024 | 13 | 4.0 | 23 |
His explosive capacity off the line created constant backfield disruption, forcing SEC offenses to adjust protection schemes. This often freed up Tennessee’s linebackers to make plays.
Norman-Lott’s true value became most apparent in critical third-down situations. His gifted pass rushing abilities frequently collapsed the pocket, contributing significantly to Tennessee’s improved defensive rankings during his tenure.
Projection for Professional Career
Omarr Norman-Lott stands at a critical juncture as he transitions from collegiate competition to professional prospects. His combination of size, strength, and technical ability has positioned him on NFL draft boards, though questions remain about his consistency and injury history.
NFL Draft Potential
Norman-Lott brings intriguing physical attributes to the table as a 6’2″, 295-pound defensive lineman with impressive measurables. His nearly 81-inch wingspan and 33⅝-inch arms give him the length scouts covet at the position.
As a pass rusher, Norman-Lott has shown flashes of dominance during his Tennessee tenure after transferring from Arizona State. However, his production has been somewhat limited, accumulating only 461 total snaps in his two seasons with the Volunteers.
Draft analysts currently project him as a mid-round selection, likely in the 4th-5th round range. His appeal stems from his disruptive potential, though consistency issues in both run defense and pass rushing have prevented him from climbing higher on draft boards.
Norman-Lott’s Key Draft Metrics:
| Measurement | Value |
|---|---|
| Height | 6’2″ |
| Weight | 295 lbs |
| Hand Size | 11⅛” |
| Arm Length | 33⅝” |
| Wingspan | 80½” |
Expert Opinions and Mock Drafts
Most draft experts view Norman-Lott as a developmental prospect with upside. His Senior Bowl performance garnered mixed reviews, showing both his raw power and technical limitations that will need refinement at the next level.
In recent mock drafts, Norman-Lott typically appears between picks 110-150, reflecting his status as a player with untapped potential. Teams like the Steelers, Lions, and Ravens have shown interest in his skill set, potentially viewing him as a rotational piece who could develop into a more significant contributor.
NFL.com’s draft profile highlights his bull-rushing ability and motor as strengths, while noting his high pad level as an area for improvement.
The 2025 NFL Draft class features several interior defensive linemen with higher grades, but Norman-Lott’s physical tools make him an intriguing Day 3 option for teams needing depth and developmental talent along the defensive front.
Off-the-Field Contributions
Omarr Norman-Lott’s impact extends beyond his disruptive presence on Tennessee’s defensive line. His commitment to giving back shows the character that NFL teams value alongside his on-field talents.
Community Engagement
Norman-Lott has established himself as a community leader during his time at Tennessee. He regularly participates in the Volunteers’ hospital visits program, bringing smiles to children facing medical challenges at East Tennessee Children’s Hospital.
His “Tackle Hunger” initiative helped collect over 5,000 pounds of food for Knoxville area food banks during the 2024 offseason. Norman-Lott personally delivered donations and spent time with families in need.
The defensive tackle has also become a fixture at local schools, speaking to students about the importance of education and perseverance. His “Homework Heroes” program rewards academic achievement among elementary students.
NFL scouts have noted Norman-Lott’s leadership qualities as a significant plus on his draft profile. Teams looking for high-character players have highlighted his community work alongside his on-field disruption.
Norman-Lott’s community engagement record includes:
| Activity | Impact | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Hospital Visits | 24+ visits | Monthly |
| Food Drives | 5,000+ lbs collected | Quarterly |
| School Programs | 18 schools reached | Bi-monthly |
Norman-Lott has maintained these commitments while completing his degree in Communications and preparing for the NFL Draft, demonstrating the work ethic and time management skills that will serve him well at the next level.
Collegiate Honors and Awards
Norman-Lott’s journey through college football has been marked by recognition for his defensive prowess. The Tennessee defensive tackle received a prestigious invitation to the 2025 Reese’s Senior Bowl, a significant honor that showcases his NFL potential.
While at Tennessee, Norman-Lott earned Third-Team All-SEC honors according to Phil Steele’s publications. This recognition places him among the conference’s top defensive linemen, no small feat in the talent-rich SEC.
The stout defensive tackle has also been named to the Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Watch List, highlighting his heritage and on-field impact.
Norman-Lott’s path to these accolades wasn’t direct. After transferring from Arizona State to Tennessee, he quickly established himself as a force on the defensive line, earning respect from coaches and analysts alike.
NFL scouts have taken notice of Norman-Lott’s combination of size, strength, and technical skill. His draft stock continues to rise with each dominating performance in the trenches.
| Honor | Year | Organization |
|---|---|---|
| Reese’s Senior Bowl Invitee | 2025 | Senior Bowl |
| Third-Team All-SEC | 2024 | Phil Steele |
| Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Watch List | 2024 | Polynesian Football Hall of Fame |
What makes Norman-Lott’s achievements more impressive is how quickly he adapted to Tennessee’s defensive scheme after his transfer. His ability to disrupt opposing offenses has made him a cornerstone of the Volunteers’ defensive front.
