Norton and Medrano clicked almost immediately, and as a result, Medrano’s production increased dramatically during their time together. During Norton’s final season with the team, Medrano started all 13 games on UCLA’s schedule, earning an All-Pac-12 Honorable Mention for ranking second on the team in tackles.
“He’s the one that taught me the game of linebacker,” Medrano said.
This time, however, Medrano doesn’t just get to learn from Norton. He’s also in the same room as Bobby Wagner, one of Norton’s best players who also has a strong connection with the linebackers coach dating back to their days with the Seattle Seahawks. Like Medrano, Wagner can vouch for Norton’s teaching skills, as he was one of the main reasons Wagner wanted to sign with Washington last season.
Medrano is still new to the position, but he’s not going to shy away from an opportunity to gain more knowledge.
“There’s still a lot of room for me to grow,” Medrano said. “I’m just gonna go in there, ears open…and just take in the coaching, the ‘scars,’ like Coach Norton would say. The scars from his years he’s trying to pass on to us; the scars that Bobby and [Frankie] Luvu had at the beginning of their careers. They’re gonna tell us that so it doesn’t happen to us.”
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