Wes Turner bio
7/20/2009 4:15:00 AM | General
Wes Turner joined the Georgia Southern coaching staff in spring 2007. When head coach Chris Hatcher hired Turner, he brought on staff someone with a first-hand knowledge of the program and the traditions of Eagle Football.
Turner serves as a defensive assistant coach. He worked on a defensive staff that, playing as many as nine true-freshmen on a consistent basis, saved their best performance for last in a 17-10 win at 14th-ranked Furman to close out the season with a winning record. The 10 points allowed were the fewest by an opponent since October 2005.
The defense saw a league-best four rookies named to the inaugural SoCon All-Freshman Team. As a defensive unit, the Eagles ranked 22nd nationally averaging 7.0 tackles for a loss and 26th recording 2.4 sacks per game.
During the 2007 season the Eagles' defense ranked 14th nationally in turnover margin, a +1.09 per game average. That impressive average is tied into the team's 56th ranking in passes intercepted, 17th in fumbles recovered and 37th in turnovers gained. Overall, the defensive unit recorded 65 tackles for a loss, 19 sacks, 11 interceptions and 56 pass break-ups.
Turner lettered three years and spent five years in all with the Georgia Southern football program. The one-time walk-on joined in the fall of 2002. He redshirted that year and then saw action in six games his redshirt-freshman year. As a sophomore he played in nine games, becoming a valuable member of the special teams and helping the Eagles qualify for the playoffs. He recorded three tackles on special teams that season.
After missing the 2005 campaign, Turner returned the following season and played in eight games. Again he provided senior leadership on special teams, ranking among the leaders in tackles in 2006 and earned the Special Teams Captain Award.
Turner joined the Eagles after a standout career at Collins Hill HS. He earned Gwinnett County 'Player of the Month' honors during his junior year. He also lettered three times in baseball, being named to the All-Atlanta team and played with Team Georgia.
He graduated in December 2006 with a bachelor's degree in General Studies. Turner and his wife, the former Stephanie Sanchez, reside in Statesboro.
EXPERIENCE: 3rd YEAR ON GSU STAFF
