Only about a week ago, wide receiver Jordan Norwood of the Philadelphia Eagles' practice squad had his career hopes lifted when he was signed to Philadelphia's active roster, the highest possible position in the National Football League.

The rookie player out of Penn State University was a member of the Eagles scout team for most of the season after spending a brief period of time with the Cleveland Browns franchise as an undrafted free agent. He now finds himself with an immediate position on the Eagles' 53-man roster and could even see some playing time because of an injury to starter DeSean Jackson.

I was fortunate enough to speak with this young man about his move to the upper tier of the league, as well as his thoughts on various other topics, including preparation for games and what he will utilize to become a top professional wideout.

Freestyle: Well, let's start with the big news … you were signed to the Eagles' active roster. Be sure to let loose your thoughts and emotions of this big transaction for both the Philadelphia organization and your career throughout this discussion.

With starting wide receiver DeSean Jackson expected to be sidelined for at least a game with a concussion, do you figure to see an immediate role in the offense?

Jordan Norwood: Right now I am just focusing on learning everything I need to in order to be ready to play on Sunday. I really have no idea how much, if at all, I will step on the field. Simply going to do whatever is asked of me by the coaching staff.

Freestyle: As a member of the practice squad for most of the season, have you developed a close "relationship" with the playbook and what you are responsible for as a member of the team?

JN: Since I've been on the practice squad I have had the chance to get familiar with the playbook and game plans week-to-week. Having traveled to a couple games in case someone got sick, I had to ready myself mentally in those instances too — so, that helped.

Freestyle: Now that you're an official member of the Eagles rather than a scout team participant, has your routine or preparation altered in any way, shape, or form?

JN: My preparation has definitely changed. I mean, I have to prepare myself physically and mentally to play on Sunday, which you don't do as much as a member of the practice squad. My role in practice hasn't changed a whole lot. There still needs to be wide receivers to run the scout team, so, myself and Dobson Collins still fulfill those duties.

Freestyle: How do you plan on developing into a quality NFL receiver, whether that means playing as a starter or producing as a solid reserve? What is the next step you plan to take to elevate your ability to a high level?

JN: You know, I don't really know the next step. I mean, the NFL is new for me too, so I am just taking it as it comes. No expectations from it, only expectations from myself, which are to work hard, compete and do what I am asked to do in order to make this team better — no matter what the role.

Freestyle: At 5-feet,11-inches tall and 179 pounds, you measure up as one of the league's smaller receivers. However, with the success experienced by your teammate, DeSean Jackson, who is also a small-framed target, do you see yourself utilizing speed to overcome opponents as he often does? Or do you base your ability to shine off of a different aspect?

JN: Well, I think the only thing comparable about DeSean and me is our size. He is a great player and I'm not sure if there is anyone else like him in the league. I think my ability to succeed will hinge on things like quickness, anticipation, and preparation.

Freestyle: You seemed to be overshadowed by talented receivers while playing your collegiate ball at Penn State University. Now that you are at the same level as them (Derrick Williams plays for the Lions; Deon Butler is on the Seahawks' roster), do you feel you've accomplished a larger task, seeing that you were not given as much playing time in the NCAA and they were on the field almost every offensive series?

JN: Between the three of us we've come to realize, over the past few years, that the three-way comparisons are not much more than media construction. And I continue to look at it that way. That being said, I think that the sense of accomplishment I have for myself is reciprocal with them for me and I for them … if that makes sense.

Freestyle: Did your brief stint on the Cleveland Browns prior to the start of the season assist you in your path to where you are now, or would you say that most of your success leading up to this point has come from being on the Eagles' practice squad?

JN: I'm not really sure. Hopefully the successes that you ask about lie ahead of me. And they will most definitely be credited to the experiences and people that God puts along my path.

• It was a great thing to speak with a player that only recently was added to the Eagles' official team, and I look forward to seeing him succeed, whether it comes in the next few weeks or next few years. I hope that all you Eagle fans out there will keep your eye out for Norwood.

freestyle@lnpnews.com