Safety John Turner commits to Notre Dame

Posted by Bryan Fischer

The third time was the charm for Indianapolis (Ind.) safety John Turner. After unofficially visiting Notre Dame twice without picking up a scholarship offer, Turner came back one more time to prove he had what it took this week for the Irish's summer camp. He ended up performing well enough to pick up an offer and shortly thereafter he came the programs' newest commitment.

“I just loved the school and the tradition,” Turner told IrishIllustrated.com. “I’m a big tradition person. It just seemed like if I ever got the opportunity I would go there.”

The 6-foot-2, 200-pound defensive back also held offers from schools such as Minnesota, Indiana and Western Michigan. He came back to Notre Dame's campus to deliver the good news of his commitment to the coaching staff in person on Sunday. Turner is obviously pretty familiar with the Irish at this point and had no problems drawing a few comparisons between his current high school and his future college.

“They’re both known for academics and the football team," he said. "Both have great football traditions and football teams. They’re always winning championships. Those are the main reasons why.”

Cathedral High School wears similar uniforms to Notre Dame and are also called the Irish, so the adjustment to the next level won't be too tough for Turner. He snagged four interceptions and had 55 tackles last season as a junior.

Turner gives Brian Kelly and staff 11 commitments in 2012, five of whom are defensive backs.

Jeff Evans