It's official: Arizona will bring back least one starter on the defensive line for the 2024 season, after defensive tackle Bill Norton announced on Thursday that he's returning to the Wildcats for his final season of eligibility.
Norton, who started 12 games for the Wildcats in 2023, is the only starter from Arizona's Alamo Bowl team returning after defensive tackle Tyler Manoa and edge rusher Taylor Upshaw ran out of eligibility, and second-year edge rusher Isaiah Ward transferring to Washington along with his brother and former UA linebacker Anthony Ward.Β
Norton, a 6-6, 325-pound Memphis native, entered the portal during his junior season at Georgia in 2022, before transferring to Arizona. Norton had 12 tackles in 26 games over his four-year career with the Bulldogs. Norton was a part of the influx of size and experience the Wildcats added on defense last offseason.Β
In his first season at the UA, Norton had 31 tackles and two forced fumbles, and his gap-filling presence occupied blockers and allowed linebackers, including All-Pac-12 selection Jacob Manu, and defensive backs to collect tackles close or behind the line of scrimmage.Β
Norton will most likely start again this season and lead an interior defensive line group that includes Syracuse transfer Kevon Darton, UC Davis transfer Chubba Maae, former junior-college product Keanu Mailoto and redshirt sophomore Isaiah Johnson. The versatile Ta'ita'i Uiagalelei, who has played defensive end, also has interior experience.Β
