Sports

UPDATE: Former Laker Turner Signed by NFL's Eagles

Terrance Turner, 24, a West Bloomfield High School and Indiana University alum, was signed by the Philadelphia Eagles.

is once again represented in the NFL. Terrance Turner, 24, of Auburn Hills, a West Bloomfield High School and Indiana University alum, was signed by the NFL's Philadelphia Eagles Tuesday, according to ESPN.com NFC East blogger Dan Graziano.

He closed out his Hoosiers career with 143 catches (sixth all-time at IU) for 1,436 yards and four touchdowns in 41 games (31 starts) after working his way through adversity, according to then-IU head football coach Bill Lynch.

"He got better year he was with us after tearing his ACL in his freshman year," said Lynch, who served as head coach in Bloomington from 2007-10. "He came back strong from that. He's got good skills and he's a great competitor, and that will help him out in the pros."

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Lynch added that he thought Turner would make a "great pro" thanks to his skills in blocking, catching, and accumulating yardage after the catch. "He's got all the tools necessary and he's a great leader," Lynch said.

Turner, who graduated from IU with a bachelor of arts in theatre and drama in December 2010, finished his Lakers varsity career in the 2005 season with with 1,236 all-purpose yards along with 37 catches for 749 yards. Turner also starred in two plays at WBHS — An American Ma(u)l and The America Play.

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Current WBHS assistant principal Pat Watson confirmed that Turner had been signed and said that he wasn't surprised to see the 2005 graduate reach the league. Watson coached Turner briefly on the Lakers' freshman basketball team and said that Turner's athleticism made him a quick promotion to the junior varsity team.

Watson said that more importantly for him, Turner was a great role model for other Lakers with dreams of playing professional sports.

"A lot of times we talk about students being well-rounded and Terrance was one of those kids. He got along with all sorts of different kids," Watson said. "At a school like Indiana, obviously, you have to keep your grades up and he graduated, which is a surprise to no one. It's great to see another West Bloomfield graduate in the NFL."


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