ECI's Chad Turner Nabs First Offer

Appalachian State is the first college program to extend a scholarship to the underrated OL.

So many times in football - from pee wee to the pros - the big bodies up front on the offensive line get lost in the shuffle.

More often than not it's the quarterbacks, receivers and running backs that get garner all the attention and fanfare.

Never has that logic been more accurate when discussing Emanuel County Institute offensive lineman Chad Turner.

Despite helping his team win a state championship this season, the 6-foot-4 and 270-pounder was often nothing more than an afterthought to high school football fans while his teammate, Washaun Ealey, rushed toward the Georgia prep record of 58 touchdowns.

But for as staggeringly talented as Ealey is, a running back is only as good as his blocking and Turner anchored the group that paved the way in a record-breaking championship season in 2007. And now his achievements are finally being noticed as Turner was extended his first scholarship offer recently by Appalachian State.

And perhaps more are too come soon as schools such as Louisville and Florida State have expressed interest, too.

Turner was a first-team All-State selection this season.

Of note: Turner was not listed in the Scout.com database prior to this article. GAVSV.com will attempt to catch up with the ECI standout in the coming days for a complete update.