DJ Turner was a great graduate transfer pickup for Pitt right before the season and the offense is not going to have an easy time replacing his productivity.
The senior wide receiver announced on Sunday that he intends to enter the 2021 NFL Draft instead of returning to college to play another season.
Turner’s decision to join his former Coach Chris Beatty was a good decision for him as he compiled statistics that were better than his previous four seasons at Maryland. This season, Turner caught a career-high 44 passes for 634 yards and three touchdowns, while also rushing the ball 10 times for 65 yards. While at Maryland, Turner caught a total of 24 passes for 294 yards and one TD in four seasons.
Turner made his news official Sunday afternoon on Twitter:
“First and foremost, I would like to thank God for bringing me this far in my journey. Without him, none of this would be possible.
I would like to thank my family for all your support over the years, and grooming me into the man I am now.
I’d also like to thank both the University of Pittsburgh and the University of Maryland for giving me the opportunity of higher education and the gift of being able to play the sport that I love while chasing my drams. I am appreciative of every staff member from both universities for the endless support throughout the years!
To my teammates from both teams, where I have created friendships that I will take with me for the rest of my life; thank you for your unwavering support. My whole life I have dreamed about playing in the NFL. After many hours of prayer and conversation with my family, I’ve decided that it’s best for me to declare for the 2021 NFL Draft.”
Turner played a valuable role in the offense as a slot receiver, so that will be a role that needs to be filled by either Tre Tipton, who’s expected to return, or a young receiver on the roster.
Big difference between entering the draft and getting drafted.
Not sure why a guy like turner wouldn’t take advantage of an extra year. It’s hard to imagine a scenario where he gets drafted or makes a team
Good luck and thanks for the year!!! I think next year could be a breakout year and only improve your status! Another bad decision by a Pitt player. H2P