One of two seniors in the offensive line, James returns to his starting assignment at left guard having started 24 consecutive games over the past two-plus years coming into the 2012 campaign...has lined up at four of the five up-front positions, but has found a home at left guard...has also played right guard, center and left tackle...strong player with outstanding knowledge of his position...good techniques...has proven to be especially capable in Tech's up-tempo offense...great work ethic, both on the field and in the classroom...five-time member of the Athletic Director's Honor Roll and landed on the OVC Commissioner's Adademic Honor Roll in 2010 and 2011...was also voted CoSIDA Academic All-District in 2011.

AT TECH (IN 2012): One of eight Golden Eagles to start all 11 games in 2012, increasing his consecutive starts streak to 24 at the close of the year...looks to continue the streak for the 2013 Golden Eagles...listed as the starter at left guard, one of two seniors up front on the O-line.

(In 2011): One of 12 Golden Eagles to start all 11 games, giving him a streak of 13 consecutive starts headed into the 2012 fall season...proved valuable in Tech's up-tempo, no huddle offense...displays quiet leadership on the field.

(In 2010): James showed early in the season that he could contribute...played a backup role through early part of the year...played in nine games...lined up as backup center and backup guard, then moved to left tackle where he earned the starting assignment in the final two games against EKU and JSU...helped the Golden Eagles post thrilling come-from-behind victory over Jacksonville State.

HIGH SCHOOL: Named All-State as a lineman, James Normand also earned a spot on the National Guard Academic All-State team during his outstanding four-year career at Oak Ridge (Tenn.) High School...the first lineman to letter all four years at his high school, Normand was an effective offensive lineman, not allowing a single quarterback sack his final two seasons while splitting his playing time between center and tackle...District 3A Lineman of the Year and was picked for both the Tennessee-Kentucky Border Bowl and the Tennessee East-West All-Star Game...twice picked as team captain...two-time all-KIL pick...he also played two seasons of basketball and four on the baseball team, setting the school’s home run record as a junior...two-time all-district selection in baseball as a first baseman...member of the National Honor Society.

PERSONAL: The son of James and Mary Normand...birthdate is February 23, 1992...full name is James McKenzie Normand...welcomes his younger brother, defensive lineman Elliott, to the Golden Eagle roster in 2013...earned his accounting degree in three years, and is now playing his final season as a graduate student while working toward master's of accounting degree.