Larry Turner became Eastern Kentucky’s latest entry into the NFL on Sunday as he was selected in the seventh round of the draft by the St. Louis Rams.
Turner, who was the 238th overall pick, was a First Team All-OVC selection at center in 2003 after spending the first three years of his collegiate career at guard. The move paid off for the Huber Heights, Ohio, native as he developed into one of only a few NFL-caliber centers in the draft this year.
The move probably seemed like a risky one for a player that had been named First Team All-OVC at guard the year before, but offensive line coach Shawn Clark said it only made sense for Turner to be in the middle of the line.
“We moved Larry from guard to center last year knowing it was the toughest position to play in this type of offense. Larry’s a smart guy, though, and he really understood our offensive scheme and he was a big part of our success last year. We’re very happy that Larry will get a chance to continue his career in the NFL,” Clark said.
Turner’s outstanding season resulted in his being asked to work out for several teams. However, as draft day approached, three teams seemed to have the most interest: St. Louis, Buffalo, and Atlanta. Turner had to wait until the Ram’s final two selections in the draft to hear his name called.
Just when Turner began thinking his route to the NFL might be via free agency, he got the biggest phone of his life.
He told the Richmond Register, “When (Rams coach Mike Martz) called me I was so excited. It’s just crazy to see my name up on the board. I just kept waiting. God blessed me and I got drafted.”
Turner became the 31st Colonel to be drafted since 1951. Ray Pelfrey was the first EKU player selected in the draft in 1951. The record for EKU was four players picked in the 1989 draft, highlighted by the second-round selection of linebacker Jessi Small by the Philadelphia Eagles. Three Colonels were picked in the 1988 draft.
EKU has now had at least one selection in the last two drafts and three of the last four.
However, Turner wasn’t the only Colonel to realize NFL dreams over the weekend. Tight end Mike Woolridge inked a free agent deal with the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday night.
Woolridge, a native of Columbus, Ga., caught 26 passes in 2003 for a total of 275 yards and two touchdowns. He was regarded as one of the top blocking tight ends in the OVC last year, as well. He also saw time on the defensive side of the ball during his EKU career.
