Pirates Sign DB Chris Turner
December 30, 2022 - Indoor Football League (IFL)
Massachusetts Pirates News Release
The Massachusetts Pirates have signed defensive back Chris Turner for the 2023 season. Turner, who went to mini-camp with the Washington Commanders of the National Football League in 2019, was a two-time all Big South performer at Liberty University. That was the last time Turner was involved in organized football. He tried to enter the XFL but was not drafted and now he's happy to have an opportunity with the Pirates.
"The General Manager (Jawad Yatim) contacted me and said he liked the numbers that I put up at the XFL Combine. I'm just happy for the opportunity again. I've been out for three years, so once he sent me that text message I was excited that somebody found me and that somebody is willing to give me the opportunity to play football again." Turner said.
Turner, who hails from Columbia, SC, made his mark with the Flames as a red-shirt freshman in 2015. That season he appeared in 11 games making seven starts and ranked fourth in the country with four interceptions. His last interception came in an upset win over Coastal Carolina. That interception was the number one play on ESPN's SportsCenter Top Ten. At season's end Turner was named as an All-Big South Second Team performer.
In 2016, the 6'2", 180 pound defensive back started 10 of 11 games and intercepted three more passes. He recorded a career high nine tackles against Virginia Tech. In a victory over Monmouth he had seven tackles while forcing a fumble. Turner also had two interceptions against Charleston Southern. His play once again earned him All-Big South Second Team status.
Turner's only touchdown came in the 2017 season opening win over Baylor. His 32-yard pick-six helped the Flames to a 48-45 victory and spoiled Matt Rhule's first game as the Bears Head Coach.
Turner finished his college career starting 20 of 33 games with 89 tackles. He had eight interceptions, broke up 20 passes while defending 28. Turner also forced one fumble and recovered another. Now he's ready to try his hand playing football indoors for the first time.
"I'm pretty sure I can just adjust to it and once I get my feet under me playing in the IFL, I'll be ready to get going and show what I can do. I look at myself as a playmaker. I want to go out there and make plays, be it an interception, a pass break up, I just want to be out there and make plays." Turner said.
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