Drafted in the fourth-round (100th overall) of the 2011 NFL Draft… first of two Tar Heel products drafted by Buffalo in the 2011 draft (RB Johnny White) and one of nine total
PRO
Drafted in the fourth-round (100th overall) of the 2011 NFL Draft… first of two Tar Heel products drafted by Buffalo in the 2011 draft (RB Johnny White) and one of nine total
2011
At KC (9-11): Made his NFL debut. Saw action on multiple special teams units.
Vs. Oak (9-18): Recorded first career interception on final hail mary attempt to preserve a 38-35 victory.
Vs. NE (9-25): Posted a special teams tackle.
At Cin (10-2): Saw action on special teams.
Vs. Phi (10-9): Saw action on special teams and defense.
At NYG (10-16): Saw action on special teams.
Vs. Was (10-30): Saw action on special teams and defense. Posted first career tackle.
Vs. NYJ (11-6): Saw action on special teams.
At Dal (11-13): Filled-in for an injured George Wilson in the second half. Finished with a career-high five tackles.
At Mia (11-20): Made first NFL start. Posted a game-high and career-high 11 tackles.
At NYJ (11-27): Posted three tackles.
Vs. Ten (12-4): Recorded eight defensive tackles and one on special teams.
At SD (12-11): Had one defensive tackle. Also saw action on special teams.
Vs. Mia (12-18): Saw action on special teams.
Vs. Den (12-24): Tied for the team-lead with two special teams tackles.
At NE (1-1): Posted one special teams tackle.
COLLEGE
Made 23 starts in 48 games at UNC as two-year starter at strong safety and leading return man… finished Tar Heel career with 106 tackles (64 solo), 2.0 sacks, five stops for a loss, 10 passes defensed and five interceptions… returned 35 punts for 440 yards (12.57 avg.) and 20 kickoffs for 484 yards (24.2 avg.)
• 2010: Started nine-of-10 games, leading the Tar Heels and ranking 15th in the nation with four interceptions… posted a career-best 37 tackles with two tackles for a loss… registered a team-high eight passes defensed… intercepted a pass, posted a pass deflection and three tackles vs. Miami… tallied a season-best six stops in win vs. Clemson
• 2009: All-Atlantic Coast Conference first-team selection as a punt returner by The NFL Draft Report… transitioned in the starting safety spot and punt returner… ranked second in the Atlantic Coast Conference and fifth in the country with a 14.6 yard punt return average… notched 35 tackles defensively, adding three passes defensed and one interception… returned seven kickoffs for a 23.1 average… made a team-high eight tackles in the Meineke Car Care Bowl vs. Pittsburgh and returned a kickoff for a career-long of 27 yards… led the nation in punt return average after the first week of the season after a 105-performance on three returns vs. The Citadel, including a 77-yard touchdown return
• 2008: Saw action primarily on special teams and as a reserve safety in 13 games… finished the year with 25 tackles, 2.0 sacks and three pass break-ups… had a career-high 10 tackles and 2.0 sacks vs. West Virginia in the Meineke Car Care Bowl…
• 2007: One of 11 true Tar Heel Freshman to see the playing field… appeared in all 12 games, primarily on special teams and in eight games as a reserve safety, totaling nine tackles and four stops for a loss… had a season-best two tackles vs. Virginia
PERSONAL
Communications major… Two-way standout at defensive back and running back at Towers (Decatur, GA) High School… tabbed the No. 17 player in George by SuperPrep… recorded 71 tackles (21 solo), eight stops for a loss and 3.0 sacks in senior campaign, while amassing 1,607 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns… totaled 707 rushing yards and seven touchdowns in junior year with 41 tackles... married, wife’s name is Kennetra.
COMMUNITY
Da’Norris was an active participant in the Buffalo Bills Toyota Rookie Club in 2011. Currently in its 10th season, the Rookie Club allows the newest Bills players to get involved in and learn more about the WNY community. As part of his involvement in the Rookie Club, Da’Norris contributed to the Hometown Huddle – a nutrition program where kids learned how to eat healthy and participated in football-related drills. He also volunteered at the Northwest Buffalo Community Center Thanksgiving and the 2011 Holiday Party, and helped unveil the new Youth Zone at the Mississauga, Ont. YMCA as part of the Bills’ Toronto Outreach.
Da’Norris was one of the many Buffalo Bills participants in the NFL’s first-ever Play 60 Ultimate Field Day for kids ages 12 and under. The Ultimate Field Day allowed children the opportunity to run football drills with their favorite Bills players in Ralph Wilson Stadium on the very same field where the Bills play their games. Children had the opportunity to get their picture taken in front of the charging buffalo logo at midfield and get autographs from Bills players, as well.
By participating in the Bills’ Community Ticket Program, Da’Norris was able to assist numerous young fans throughout the season. Searcy’s Web was on hand each game and also received food and beverage coupons compliments of Da’Norris.
Da’Norris supported the local community throughout the holiday season by assisting in Co-Strength and Conditioning Coach John Gamble’s holiday programming. Multiple Bills players assisted the events by donating time and money to ensure area families could properly enjoy the holidays.
