Illinois Football: Illini WR Malik Turner trying to make name in the NFL

The hard work and dedication is paying off for former Illinois football wide receiver, Malik Turner.

It was announced about a week ago that Turner has a signed a contract with the Seattle Seahawks of the NFL. This looks to be the standard three-year rookie deal that will pay Turner a total of 1.71-million dollars for the extent of the contract starting with his first year of 480,000-dollars.

This is a huge deal for Tuner and the Illinois football fan base. Turner wasn’t able to get drafted in this past NFL Draft. But, he showed how good he could be on the football field and the Seahawks scooped him up.

While at Illinois, Turner put up solid numbers. His best season was his junior campaign where he caught 48 passes for 712 yards and 6 touchdowns. He finished his Illini career with 143 catches for 1804 yards and 10 touchdowns.

The reason Turner’s numbers didn’t jump off the page is that the quarterback situation was a struggle the four years he was in Champaign. Injuries and the lack of talent behind center hampered what potentially could have been a legendary Illini career.

Now Turner is entering a Seahawks program that is going through a transition. But, the one big bonus for Turner is the fact he has a talented quarterback – Russell Wilson – throwing him the ball. And, the Seahawks need more help at the wide receiver position.

Making the Seahawks squad is going to be a big accomplishment, but there is a chance Turner could do more. There aren’t a ton of wide receivers with staying power. There are three pass catchers who are sure-fire starters – Tyler Lockett, Bandon Marshall and Doug Baldwin – but beyond those three, the competition seems to be pretty wide open.

I am happy for Turner to get a shot at the NFL. This kid has worked his butt off for his entire career. Hopefully, he can show the Seahawks organization that he is the man for the job.