Norton headed to Buffs

Newport Harbor High senior Parker Norton, the Daily Pilot Dream Team Football Player of the Year, said he will be a preferred walk-on at Colorado.

Norton chose the Buffaloes over Southern Methodist.

Norton, a wide receiver and cornerback, helped the Sailors (6-5, 3-2 in league) clinch third place in league and make their second straight CIF Southern Section Pac-5 Division playoff appearance.

He earned the Sunset League Defensive Back of the Year honor after recording four interceptions and 12 pass break-ups, but he was just as good on offense. He finished with 64 catches for 569 yards and five touchdowns.

The receptions rank third all-time at Newport Harbor when it comes to single-season records.

For his career, Norton totaled 101 catches, No. 4 at the school.

At Colorado, he’ll be under the direction of new coach Jon Embree.

Former Minnesota Vikings assistant and Buffaloes standout Eric Bienemy on staff as offensive coordinator and running backs coach.

Colorado went 5-7, 2-6 in the Big 12 last year.

— David Carrillo Peñaloza