Middle Linebacker
No. 56
Southern
"Turk blossomed as one of the Jet linebackers for the future in his second year, starting all 14 regular season games at left linebacker. An aggressive, physical player with great range and good feet, he has the ability to 'string out' running plays and he plays off the block well. The coaches like his potential after only one year of practical experience- Turk was the hardest hitter in 1975. He covers the pass well and may be tried in the middle because of his size and impressive speed.
He broke a bone in his hand in a preseason game against Atlanta, but was not slowed. Turk made a series of plays in several games to set up the Jet offense: he blocked a punt against the Redskins to set up the winning touchdown; he picked up an interception and a fumble recovery in his home appearance against New England; he blocked a punt to set up a touchdown at Minnesota and intercepted a pass against Buffalo to set up a field goal.
He was named captain under interim coach Ken Shipp. Turk had been the most impressive rookie in training camp in 1974 before shoulder separation shelved him in the preseason. He had surgery that August to repair the ligament damage to the shoulder. Turk was the No. 3 draft choice in 1974.
Turk was All-SWAC for three seasons and played in the Senior Bowl, where Jet scouts were impressed by his performance. He was named to the Black All-America squad. He transferred from California after one year and broke Isiah Robertson's record at Southern with 123 unassisted tackles as a sophomore. Turk's career tackles included 239 solo and 93 assists, along with four interceptions.
He majored in physical education and works as a teacher in the off-season. His brother played for Lamar Tech. His hometown is Houston, Texas."
-1976 New York Jets Media Guide
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