Tag: Nolan Turner

Former Tigers safety Nolan Turner named defensive analyst

Nolan Turner added as defensive analyst to Clemson’s staff.

When Dabo Swinney announced late Friday that defensive tackles coach Nick Eason was being promoted to associate head coach, it wasn’t the only news the venerable Tigers coach had to share.

Swinney also announced that former Clemson safety Nolan Turner would be joining the staff as a defensive analyst. Turner played in every game between the 2018-2020 seasons and was a part of the program for five years between 2017-2021.

He made the game-clinching interception in the 2019 Fiesta Bowl with just 37 seconds remaining to secure Clemson’s 29-23 victory over Ohio State. Turner’s interception of Buckeyes quarterback Justin Fields gave the Tigers their 29th consecutive victory at the time.

Earlier that season, he was one of three Clemson tacklers to stop North Carolina quarterback Sam Howell on a two-point attempt to preserve a 21-20 victory in Chapel Hill.

Turner was an All-American in 2020, playing in all 12 games, as well as a two-year team captain. He finished his Clemson career with 192 tackles, including 13.5 for loss, seven interceptions and two forced fumbles in 65 career games.

Turner had a short stint with the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2022 after being signed as an undrafted free agent.

Former Clemson safety released by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

A former Tiger will be looking for a new home in the NFL.

Former Clemson safety and national championship winner Nolan Turner’s time with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers has come to an end.

With 53-man rosters being solidified Tuesday, reports released that Turner had been released by the Bucs as they cut down their roster. Turner joined the team as an undrafted free agent and remained on the roster until the conclusion of the 2022 training camp. However, he was subsequently released and transitioned to the practice squad.

Turner was a 2020 All-American and two-year team captain who finished his six-year Clemson career spanning 2016-21 credited with 259 tackles (13.5 for loss), 20 passes broken up, seven interceptions returned 78 yards, 3.0 sacks and two forced fumbles in 2,145 snaps over 65 career games (25 starts).

 

Two former Clemson defenders waived

Both defenders still have an opportunity to be picked up by their respective teams’ practice squads for the upcoming 2022 season.

Two former Clemson defenders have been waived following the NFL’s 53-man roster deadline on Tuesday.

Safety Nolan Turner and linebacker James Skalski were both waived following their first NFL camp and preseason.

Turner, who spent six seasons with the Tigers (2016-21), signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent this past spring. In his time at Clemson, the Alabama native and 2020 All-American recorded 259 tackles, 20 pass breakups, seven interceptions for 78 yards, 3.0 sacks and two forced fumbles.

James Skalski also spent six seasons with the Tigers and signed on with the Indianapolis Colts as an undrafted free agent this spring. The three-year starter garnered 310 tackles (20.5 for loss), 10.0 sacks, 12 pass breakups, two fumble recoveries and a forced fumble over 69 games and 38 career starts. Skalski remains the only player in Clemson history to ever play in and win five ACC Championship games in his career.

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Former Tigers joining NFL practice squads

A bunch of former Clemson football players are joining NFL practice squads after being released Tuesday. Wide receiver Deon Cain is back with the Philadelphia Eagles on their practice squad after being waived by the Eagles, while cornerback Mario …

A bunch of former Clemson football players are joining NFL practice squads after being released Tuesday.

Wide receiver Deon Cain is back with the Philadelphia Eagles on their practice squad after being waived by the Eagles, while cornerback Mario Goodrich is also signing to the Eagles’ practice squad after being waived by the Eagles as well.

Safety Nolan Turner, who was waived by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, is back with Tampa Bay on the Bucs’ practice squad.

Defensive tackle Carlos Watkins, who was released by the Dallas Cowboys on Tuesday, is back with the Cowboys on their practice squad.

Additionally, wide receiver Cornell Powell is back with the Kansas City Chiefs on their practice squad after being released by the Chiefs, while Tanner Muse was waived by the Seattle Seahawks but has been signed to the team’s practice squad.

–Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images 

Another former Tiger waived by NFL team

A former Clemson safety has reportedly been waived by this NFL team. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have waived Nolan Turner, per Greg Auman of The Athletic. Turner, who had been “balling” in training camp, is likely headed to the Bucs’ practice squad if …

A former Clemson safety has reportedly been waived by this NFL team.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have waived Nolan Turner, per Greg Auman of The Athletic.

Turner, who had been “balling” in training camp, is likely headed to the Bucs’ practice squad if he isn’t claimed. Auman reported that Turner will be a priority for the practice squad if not claimed.

Turner, who signed with the Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent in April, finished his Clemson career with 259 tackles, 20 pass breakups and seven interceptions.

Turner played in 65 games – fourth-most in program history – with 25 starts during his six-year career at Clemson. He finished fourth on the team last season with 69 tackles with three pass breakups and an interception despite dealing with hamstring and toe injuries. Turner earned All-American honors in 2020 when he had 66 tackles and a team-high three picks.

Another former Tiger, cornerback Mario Goodrich, is being waived by the Philadelphia Eagles.

Time for Clemson fans to make sure the Tigers are competitive with South Carolina in NIL for baseball.

Come out to support Clemson baseball at Dear Old Clemson’s event on September 30 at the Madren Conference Center.  New head coach Erik Bakich will speak and most of next year’s team will be on hand.  Get your tickets today or sign up for the Orange level or higher of the Tiger Club to get free access to all Dear Old Clemson events. Dear Old Clemson.

Swinney heaps praise on freshman receiver: ‘He could help us this year’

Cole Turner continues to make an impact. Every time Clemson coach Dabo Swinney has talked with the media during fall camp, he heaps praise on the freshman receiver out of Vestavia Hills (Alabama). Much like his older brother, former Clemson safety …

Cole Turner continues to make an impact.

Every time Clemson coach Dabo Swinney has talked with the media during fall camp, he heaps praise on the freshman receiver out of Vestavia Hills (Alabama).

Much like his older brother, former Clemson safety Nolan Turner, Cole flew under the radar during his recruitment 

He had a strong senior season at Vestavia Hills — seven of his 42 receptions went for touchdowns while he also averaged more than 34 yards on kickoff returns — which helped him earn him an offer from Dabo Swinney’s program late in the recruiting process.

Still, Cole was initially a basketball player, before playing his first season of high school football as a junior. Even after signing with Clemson back in February, Cole figured to be a player that would need a year in the weight room and would be able to contribute further down the line.

Clemson’s extensive wide receiver depth has dipped a little bit, as redshirt freshman Troy Stellato is out for the season with a torn ACL, and Adam Randall, E.J. Williams and Beaux Collins have all battled injuries of their own.

That’s opened the door for a player like Cole, who has taken his opportunity and run with it as a true freshman.

“Cole Turner, I mean this kid has unbelievable long-term potential,” Swinney said following Saturday’s scrimmage. “I mean, he could help us this year. I’m hoping we don’t have to have him, but he’s making it hard on us. He makes plays every day. Every day. He makes two big plays (Saturday) and gets yards after contact. He’s strong. He’s fast. If he touches it, he catches it. He just has a unique knack for finishing plays.”

Swinney hasn’t held back his praise for Cole, who he previously said hadn’t dropped a ball yet. He lauded Cole’s natural ball skills, as well as his body control and his reactionary ability.

“But I’m telling you,” Swinney said of Turner, “that kid right there is going to be special.”

Come out to support Clemson softball at Dear Old Clemson’s second event which is set for August 27 at the Madren Conference Center.  Clemson returns as one of the top teams in the nation and adds some new talent to the mix.  If you sign up for certain club levels you get free access to all Dear Old Clemson events or purchase your tickets today at Dear Old Clemson.

Former Tiger ‘balling’ at NFL training camp, picks off the GOAT

A former Clemson safety has been making plays at an NFL training camp and even picked off the GOAT. Nolan Turner, who signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent in April, is turning heads at the Bucs’ training camp and …

A former Clemson safety has been making plays at an NFL training camp and even picked off the GOAT.

Nolan Turner, who signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent in April, is turning heads at the Bucs’ training camp and intercepted a pass from Tom Brady in practice earlier this week.

Bucs third-year safety and 2021 Pro Bowler Antoine Winfield Jr. has taken notice of Turner’s performance in camp and complimented the former Tiger on Tuesday, saying Turner has been “ballin’.”

Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles mentioned Turner recently while discussing the team’s safety situation, calling Turner “very smart” and saying whether Tampa carries a fifth safety is “yet to be determined” and that the competition at the safety position will probably play itself out once preseason games start.

Turner played in 65 games – fourth-most in program history – with 25 starts during his six-year career at Clemson. He finished fourth on the team this past season with 69 tackles with three pass breakups and an interception despite dealing with hamstring and toe injuries. Turner earned All-American honors in 2020 when he had 66 tackles and a team-high three picks.

He finished his career with 259 tackles, 20 pass breakups and seven interceptions.

Come out to support Clemson softball at Dear Old Clemson’s second event which is set for August 27 at the Madren Conference Center.  Clemson returns one of the top teams in the nation and adds some new talent to the mix.   If you sign up for certain club levels you get free access to all Dear Old Clemson events or purchase your tickets today at Dear Old Clemson.

With brother’s advice in mind, younger Turner eager to compete in Year 1

Clemson is losing one Turner and replacing him with another. There is a difference between Nolan Turner and his younger brother when it comes to football, though. Nolan, who’s going through his first NFL training camp after recently wrapping up a …

Clemson is losing one Turner and replacing him with another.

There is a difference between Nolan Turner and his younger brother when it comes to football, though. Nolan, who’s going through his first NFL training camp after recently wrapping up a six-year career at Clemson, was an All-American safety for the Tigers while Cole Turner is about to start his first fall camp as a wide receiver.

Cole officially followed in his brother’s footsteps in February when he signed with the Tigers out of Vestavia Hills (Alabama) High. The younger Turner said Dabo Swinney’s program was “definitely the place I wanted to be” after attending numerous games of Nolan’s inside Memorial Stadium over the years, and a strong senior season at Vestavia Hills – seven of his 42 receptions went for touchdowns while he also averaged more than 34 yards on kickoff returns – earned him an offer late in the recruiting process.

“The fans and the atmosphere in the building, it’s just unmatched,” Cole said of gamedays at Clemson. “And the family environment with the players and the coaches, it’s just something I really wanted to be a part of.”

Now that he’s a member of the program himself, Cole said he’s leaning on his brother’s advice in an attempt to make as quick an impact as possible. One piece in particular has stuck with Cole.

“One thing he really told me was just always bring a notebook in every meeting and learn as much as you can from all the coaches,” Cole said. “They have such great things to say, and so just really take in everything they say and (apply it) to what you’re doing.

“Literally take it day by day and learn as much as you can.”

How soon the 6-foot-1, 180-pounder can get on the field remains to be seen.

Cole, a three-star recruit who projects as an outside receiver, is joining a position room that already includes veterans Joseph Ngata, E.J. Willliams and Brannon Spector as well as promising second-year players Beaux Collins, Dacari Collins and Troy Stellato. Fellow true freshmen Adam Randall and Antonio Williams add even more competition to the room, though Randall is recovering from ACL surgery he underwent this spring with no firm timetable on when he might return to action.

Cole said neither receivers coach Tyler Grisham nor offensive coordinator Brandon Streeter has discussed with him what his role might be this fall. A redshirt season could be in play, but with his brother’s words of wisdom in mind, Cole said his plan is to put his best foot forward during camp and let the chips fall where they may.

“It’s going to be tough for sure, but I look forward to competing and look forward to gaining as much knowledge as I can from other players and coaches,” he said.

Dear Old Clemson’s marketplace is officially open. Now there is a new way you can support Clemson student-athletes. Purchase collectibles from Dear Old Clemson and the proceeds with go to support Clemson student-athletes. Visit Dear Old Clemson to find out how you can help!

Clemson lands atop of ESPN’s future defense power rankings

Despite multiple veteran departures from last season, Clemson’s defense is still poised to be one of the nation’s best over the next three seasons.

After allowing the second-fewest points per game in the FBS last season, Clemson’s defense has the talent, experience and potential to be one of the nation’s best units in 2022 and beyond.

Between a loaded defensive line that returns all of its starters from 2021 to a fast and dynamic linebacker room, head coach Dabo Swinney has plenty of defenders that have NFL potential.

With the departure of several coaches, including former defensive coordinator Brent Venables, the Tigers’ defense has entered into a new era. Although coaching and roster changes often have a negative impact on teams, there’s reason to believe Clemson’s past defensive success will continue for years to come.

According to ESPN college football analyst Adam Rittenberg, Clemson has the greatest potential to be a top-tier defense for the next three seasons. He ranked Clemson above last nation’s top defense, Georiga, among others like Wisconsin and Alabama.

Here’s what Rittenberg had to say about the Tigers’ defense.

2021 future defense ranking: 1

Scouting the Tigers: In a close race for the top spot, Clemson leads off the rankings for the second consecutive year. The unit loses two outstanding cornerbacks (Mario Goodrich and Andrew Booth Jr.), mainstays at linebacker (James Skalski, Baylon Spector) and longtime coordinator Brent Venables. Still, the outlook remains extremely promising. Clemson’s defensive line has been a strength through the CFP era and will remain that way, especially in 2022 as All-America candidates Bryan Bresee, Tyler Davis and Myles Murphy all return. The line got a bonus boost as end Xavier Thomas, a two-time third-team All-ACC selection, is back for one final season. There’s veteran depth at end with seniors K.J. Henry and Justin Mascoll, who last season combined for seven sacks and 15 quarterback pressures. Tackle Ruke Orhorhoro in 2021 had 42 tackles, eight for loss, and should continue to add playing time, along with classmate Etinosa Reuben, sophomore Payton Page and others.

Darien Rencher ‘just wanted an opportunity’ and now he has one

Tack on another undrafted Clemson player to receive an invitation to NFL camp.

Another former Clemson Tiger is getting his shot in the NFL after the Carolina Panthers extended an invitation to running back Darien Rencher.

After participating in Clemson’s pro day in March, Rencher relayed that he was actively pursuing a career in the NFL, and now he has a chance to make the Panthers roster.

Rencher spent the past six seasons with the Tigers, racking up 437 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 93 carries. He was also the recipient of the 2020 Disney Spirit Award, given to college football’s most inspirational figure.

With the invitation, Rencher joins a large group of undrafted Tigers heading to NFL camps, including wide receiver Justyn Ross, linebacker James Skalski, cornerback Mario Goodrich and safety Nolan Turner.

“I just wanted an opportunity,” Rencher said on Twitter.

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