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WATCH: KaVontae Turpin returns kick for 98-yard touchdown vs. LA

Wade-Peeryby:Wade Peery08/20/22
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(Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Former TCU standout KaVontae Turpin was one of the most electrifying stars in college football during his time there. Blessed with a lethal combination of speed and acceleration, Turpin’s dynamic play in the USFL the past few months caught the attention of the Dallas Cowboys enough for them to sign him. On Saturday night, the electrifying speedster continued to turn heads, taking a kick back 98-yards for a touchdown in the Cowboys preseason matchup vs. the Los Angeles Chargers.

If he keeps that up, Turpin’s likely to find himself on the finalized 53-man roster for the 2022-2023 season. It would be a heartwarming story if he could contribute for the Cowboys during the regular season, that’s for certain.

The Cowboys just signed Turpin at the end of July. The addition, as the Dallas Morning News’ Mike Gehlken pointed out, gave the Cowboys the last two USFL MVP signings in Turpin, who won in 2022, and former running back Herschel Walker (1985).

The USFL, created in 1983, folded after just three seasons but returned under new leadership this spring. KaVontae Turpin led the league in receiving yards this spring with 540 for the New Jersey Generals. Altogether with his kick-returning duties, he posted 921 all-purpose yards on his way to winning the league’s MVP award for the 2022 season.

Herschel Walker left the USFL and played three seasons in his first stint with the Cowboys. He returned in 1996 for a single season before retiring as a two-time second-team All-Pro.

The Monroe, Louisiana native played for TCU under Gary Patterson from 2015-2018. He returned to the state of Texas for his chance with the Cowboys. Turpin showed off his breakaway potential in Fort Worth, recording a punt return touchdown in each of his four seasons on campus. He also had one kick return touchdown a piece during his junior and senior years.

On3’s Nikki Chavanelle and Chandler Vessels also contributed to this article.