Paul Turner was not expecting an offer from LSU when it
arrived during the team’s Elite Camp last week.
On Saturday, as he and his father made a second trip to
Baton Rouge is less than 14 days, the West Monroe standout was expecting what
came at the visit’s conclusion.
“I just committed to coach (Les) Miles, and it’s a great
feeling to call myself a Tiger,” said Turner shortly after handing over his
pledge. “When we got into the car to head down to Baton Rouge I was leaning
towards committing, and the visit pretty much sealed it.”
Turner planned to make the visit with both his parents, but
only he and his father were able to make the drive. No matter, all things on
LSU’s end checked out.
“The big thing was the academic support,” said Turner, a 4.0
student and soon to be West Monroe’s Valedictorian. “And my dad fell in love.
He kept talking about how everything was hands-on, so that stood out. It was
all just a beautiful set up.”
During his visit with the coaches, the 5-foot-11,
185-pounder said the topic of conversation was where he fit into the LSU
scheme.
“The coaches were pretty much fighting over me playing on
offense or defense,” laughed Turner. “Coach (Billy) Gonzales likes me as a
receiver, but coach (Ron) Cooper really likes me as a defensive back. I’ve got
no preference. I’ve come on as an athlete and I just figure it will work itself
out when I get to campus.”
As for his pledge, Turner said that his decision is firm
until signing day.
“It all felt right, and I know that LSU is home for me,” he
said. “I’m not going to back out on that. Coach Miles was really excited to
take my commitment, and I think it’s amazing just to have the chance to be part
of this 2011 class at LSU. It might be one of the best classes in the entire
country. I can’t turn away an opportunity to be a part of something like that.”