Michigan Kicker James Turner Hits 63-Yard FG to Set the Standards High Before the NFL Draft 2024

It seems that Michigan isn’t done shoving all the allegations into the critics’ faces poured onto them when the sign-stealing allegations initially flared up. First, they rolled out their quarterback, JJ McCarthy, who left everyone spellbound after several questions were hurled at him by climbing the draft rankings and making the teams go berserk chasing him. Michigan is set to add another blazing addition to this 2024 draft class, who is set to overtake the draft boards swiftly like McCarthy, following the skills he is displaying on-field.

It is kicker James Turner who is being talked about. The Michigan kicker has set some pretty tough standards for the kickers in the NFL before even entering into a competition with the big boys. During his preparatory NFL draft practice session, Turner kicked a 63-yard field goal, making everyone’s mouth turn into a big ‘O’. Per Michigan Insider writer, Turner appears to be the second Wolverine kicker to be drafted in the last two years, with Jake Moody being the 3rd.

Turner has always been an interesting player in the Ann Arbor locker room. The remarkable place ball kicker has exuded steady composure on the field throughout the season, letting his foot do the talking. Turner’s kicks proved pivotal in Michigan’s National Championship win against the Washington Huskies.

At the start of the second quarter, James Turner’s 31-yard field goal only solidified Michigan’s dominance over the Huskies. Turner didn’t stop there. In the third quarter as well, he turned out to be a pressing concern for Washington by scoring another 38-yard field goal. However, the kicker scoring field goals after field goals wasn’t always a Michigan Man at heart.

James Turner’s journey from being a Michigan State fan to being a Michigan Man

Turner’s path to stardom began with his rising popularity at Saline High School, especially his senior year stats as a Hornet, which touted him as the Detroit News’ first-team All-State selection in Divisions 1-2. Yet, Ann Arbor was a long kickoff from Saline.

James Turner’s father, Jim Turner, was a Michigan State player, making it enough of a reason for his son to be a Michigan State fan. Per MLive, when Turner was asked whether he was a Michigan State fan or a Maize and Blue fan growing up, the kicker simply smiled, trying to avoid the question.

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Turner’s preference for Michigan State is no secret as well since he was offered a preferred walk-on spot at Michigan State, but a different kicker committed first, so Turner ended up at Louisville. Turner graduated there and ultimately ended up in Michigan, creating records there as well. Do you think Turner’s time at Michigan makes him a player robust enough to be picked as the kicker from Michigan? Probably in the first round? Drop your predictions in the comments.

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