Blaze Strengthen Secondary with Southern Utah Standout
Thursday November 15, 2012
Former Thunderbirds DB Dion Turner Joins Blaze
SALT LAKE CITY – The Utah Blaze have agreed to terms on a contract with rookie defensive back Dion Turner, the franchise announced today. A local product from Southern Utah University, Turner joins the Blaze after participating in training camp with the Green Bay Packers.
“Dion is a big, physical cornerback,” said Head Coach Ron James. “He has the strength to play man-to-man coverage against the bigger wide receivers of the Arena Football League, and possesses the skills we covet when evaluating defensive backs. It’s always nice to add another athlete that played collegiately in Utah.”
Turner (6-0, 200, Southern Utah) signed with the Green Bay Packers as an undrafted free agent during 2012 training camp. He played in three preseason games with the team, posting three solo tackles. The addition of Turner reunites him with fellow defensive back Otis Merrill, who also participated in Packers training camp and was assigned to the Blaze on the same day.
“It’s a great excitement joining the Blaze here in Utah where I played my college ball,” said Turner. “I’m just ready to get back on the field and make plays.”
A native of Oakland, California, Turner earned first-team All-Great West Conference accolades in each of his final two seasons. As a senior, he totaled 69 tackles (48 solo), including four stops for losses. Turner added four pass breakups and returned an interception 33 yards for a touchdown.
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