“My name is Landon Turner and I am a Tar Heel.”

This short and sweet statement ended a long period filled with excitement, stress, and overall craziness. Turner, who was ranked the sixth best offensive guard in the country by Scout.com, had received  15 scholarship offers, from college football powerhouses such as Florida, Louisiana State and Georgia.

“If I could sum up the whole recruiting process, I would just say it was crazy,” Turner said. “It’s a relief to finally know where I’m going to be attending college.”

Hundreds gathered in the Harrisonburg High School commons on July 11^th, anticipating Turner’s college choice. Turner had narrowed his long list down to three: Virginia Tech, West Virginia University, and The University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill. Over cake and punch, Turner ended all hearsay, and picked The University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill.

“Overall, I think that it was just the best fit for me,” Turner said. “The campus,

the coaches and players, and the lifestyle were the deciding factors for me.”

Turner explained that playing at UNC, an up and coming program in college football, will greaten his chances at getting a shot in the National Football League, a lifelong goal that he has had.

Turner also hopes UNC will help him reach his goal of winning the Outland Trophy, an award given to the country’s top interior lineman.

Though he plans to graduate in December to be able to take part in spring practice, Turner still has his eyes set on his final year playing on Fridays.

“I want to give everything I have, and then some every time I step onto the field because I know that these moments will be something that I can not have back,” Turner said. “I’m looking to have a great year with a bunch of guys that I love to play with best.”

UNC FACTS

• In 2009, UNC had an 8-5 overall record with a 4-4 record in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC)
• UNC has been in 27 Bowl Games, with a 12-15 record in them.
• UNC has produced nearly 75 All-Americans
• UNC has produced 31 current NFL athletes, including three-time Pro-Bowler Jeff Saturday (Center, New York Jets), five-time Pro-Bowler  Julius Peppers (Defensive Tackle, Chicago Bears) and two-time Pro-Bowler Willie Parker (Running Back, Washington Redskins).