It's the diary of a college athlete hungry for an NFL opportunity. No, we're not talking about Hollywood star Shemar Moore, who plays Orlando, the hero in Tyler Perry's Diary of a Mad Black Woman.
Instead, we're talking about Texas A&M defensive tackle Shemar Turner, who declared for the 2025 NFL Draft. Turner, a product of DeSoto, Texas, where he played defense for DeSoto High School, hopes to make an impact for NFL teams seeking a strong defensive tackle who can rush the quarterback and force turnovers.
Growing up in DeSoto, Turner's mother often dealt with his bad behavior in elementary and junior high school, until his uncle began mentoring him, according to reporter Carter Yates of Dave Campbell's Texas Football. Football helped Turner turn his life around, and he proved himself in high school, recording 76 tackles and averaging 12.5 sacks during his senior year with the Eagles.
At Texas A&M, Shemar Turner was one of the top defensive players, recording 5.5 tackles for loss in 2023, earning a spot on the All-SEC second team. During the NFL Combine, Turner posted a total score of 73 and ranked 10th overall among defensive tackles.
In NFL.com's Draft Analyst report, Lance Zierlein described Turner as:
"Plays with unlimited activity and a heavy dose of violence. He has a quick first step and an explosive punch. He's capable of holding the point against single blocks or working the gaps with foot quickness." Other strengths include his ability to get into the neutral zone quickly and actively use his hands and feet to find rush openings.
NFL teams that could use Turner's talent include the Buffalo Bills, Arizona Cardinals, Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, and Green Bay Packers. Turner may not be a Hollywood star yet, but his chances for NFL stardom and fame are on the horizon. He hopes to prove himself with whichever team selects him, just as other DeSoto High School football alumni have done in the NFL.
The NFL Draft is scheduled for April 24-26 in Green Bay, Wisconsin, home to one of the most passionate fan bases in the country. Lambeau Field, where the Packers play, is famous for the Lambeau Leap, where players jump into the bleachers after scoring a touchdown. Turner hopes to make his own leap-on the defensive side-for the Packers or any team that selects him after scoring a defensive touchdown this upcoming season. The DeSoto community will be watching closely.
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This story was originally published March 30, 2025 at 3:53 PM.