Michigan football CB DJ Turner declares for 2023 NFL Draft

Michigan Wolverines football senior cornerback DJ Turner has declared for the 2023 NFL Draft, he announced. He has two years of eligibility remaining, after redshirting as a freshman in 2018 and receiving a COVID year in 2020, but will take his shot at the professional level. Turner graduated from U-M in December.

Turner made his announcement with an Instagram post.

“First, I would like to thank God for blessing me with the ability to play the sport I love because, without Him, none of this would be possible,” Turner wrote.

“To my teammates who have become my brothers, I thank you for these past four seasons and I would not have wanted to do it with anyone else. We were able to achieve many goals that we said we would accomplish. I am forever grateful for the memories that we have made and the bonds we have created.

“To [Michigan head] Coach [Jim] Harbaugh, thank you for keeping your promise to my family to always treat me like one of your own.

“To my coaches, Coach [Jesse] Minter, Coach [Steve] Clinkscale, Coach [Mike] Macdonald, Coach Mo [Linguist] and Coach [Ben] Herb[ert], thank you for helping me grow as a young man and a player while I have been here at the University of Michigan.

“Special thanks to my academic advisors, Claiborne Green, Kevin Lubrano and Sean Edgerton, and staff, for helping me keep my promise to myself and my parents to get my degree from the University of Michigan. I can proudly say that I am now a Michigan Man.

“Thanks to everyone who has supported me over the years of playing sports. To my mom, dad and sister, words cannot express the gratitude I have for the many sacrifices you all have made for me to be where I am today. Please know I could not have done it without you all.

“Since the age of six, I have always dreamed of one day playing in the NFL. With that being said, I have chosen to forego my final years of eligibility and enter the 2023 NFL Draft.

“Finally, thank you to the best fans in the country for all your support over the years in The Big House.”

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The 6-0, 180-pounder started 23 games at cornerback during his Michigan career (14 in 2022, eight in 2021 and one in 2020) and was at his best this season. Turner took over starting duties partway through the 2021 campaign, didn’t give up the job in 2022 and emerged as the team’s top cover man.

He recorded 36 tackles, including 1 for loss, 1 interception, a team-high 10 pass breakups, 1 quarterback hurry and 1 fumble recovery in 2022. He allowed 33 receptions for 408 yards and 2 touchdowns on 71 targets in coverage, per PFF.

The Suwanee, Ga., native was named second-team All-Big Ten by the coaches and third-team by the media. He earned an honorable mention nod by both the coaches and media in 2021.

All told for his career, Turner accumulated 69 tackles, 2 stops for loss, 3 interceptions, 20 pass breakups and 1 fumble recovery.

ESPN analyst Mel Kiper Jr. released a big board of the top 10 draft prospects at every position and did not include Turner but listed him as one who “just missed the cut.”

Turner was named to The Athletic‘s ‘Freaks List’ by reporter Bruce Feldman, ranking No. 31 entering the 2022 college football season.

“He is the fastest guy on the Wolverines, having hit 23.07 mph on the GPS and run a 4.28 40 — out of a two-point stance, no less,” Feldman wrote. “His 3-cone time is even more stunning. He clocked a 6.29 this offseason, and strength coaches think he has a good shot at besting the combine record of 6.28, set in 2018 by Oklahoma’s Jordan Thomas.”

Turner will have several weeks to train before the NFL Draft Scouting Combine, which will be held in Indianapolis Feb. 28-March 6.

“Turner looks to make receivers uncomfortable mid-route but will get himself in trouble when he gets too physical downfield or loses his balance firing downhill to make a tackle,” The Athletic draft analyst Dane Brugler wrote before Michigan’s appearance in the College Football Playoff. “Turner doesn’t receive nearly enough love nationally as one of the better cornerbacks in the country, but he should be a Day 2 draft pick if he declares early.”