One of the most underrated athletes in University of Illinois history, Scott Turner celebrates his 45th birthday today. The standout from J.J. Pearce High School in Richardson, Texas, lettered from 1991-94, first as a receiver, then as a defensive back. As a starting cornerback his senior season, No. 21 compiled 48 tackles for the ’94 Liberty Bowl champs.
Turner was also an outstanding sprinter for coach Gary Wieneke’s Illini track and field squad, specializing at 200 and 400 meters. After earning Big Ten Indoor Freshman of the Year honors in 1991, he won a pair of Big Ten indoor titles in the 400 (1992 and ’93).