March 10, 2006

Scott Turner has faced a number of challenges in his life. He was recruited by John Mackovic's staff from the Dallas area in the late '80's and played wide receiver, then defensive back for the Orange and Blue. In addition, he was an All-Big Ten sprinter for Coach Gary Wieneke's Illini track & field team.

Turner was drafted by the Washington Redskins in the seventh round of the 1995 NFL Draft and enjoyed a nine-year pro career in the nation's capital, in San Diego, and in Denver.

Little did he know when he was in D.C., that those glimpses he had of the capital would help inspire him to run for public office. Next month Turner will find out if he's headed back to Washington to represent the citizens of the San Diego, Calif., area, in Congress.

For those who are interested, Turner explains his candidacy in detail on his website, www.turnerforcongess.com.

Recently, Dick Barnes of www.fightingillini.com/www.coachronzook.com caught up with Turner. Check out the interview...