Natchez’s Tavaris Turner said playing two years at Copiah-Lincoln Community College helped him get ready to play at a four-year school.

He’ll have a chance to prove that the next two years at Florida A&M.

Turner signed with the Rattlers after an impressive sophomore season at Co-Lin that saw him total 53 tackles and recover five fumbles, second highest among JUCO players in the state.

&uot;I think playing at Co-Lin helped make my physically and mentally tougher and I also improved in my academics,&uot; said Turner, who played defensive back at Natchez High and Co-Lin.

The 5-foot-11 Turner, who will major in elementary education, said Florida A&M was really the only school that recruited him.

&uot;I really wanted to go to a Division I school and they recruited me the hardest,&uot; he said.

Florida A&M is located in Tallahassee.

&uot;The coaches seem like nice people and the football team seemed to stay together like a team,&uot;&160;Turner said.

Turner said he wants to get his 4.48 speed in the 40 down to 4.40.

&uot;I like to hit and believe I can hit,&uot; he said. &uot;I know you always have to step it up when you move up a level.&uot;

Turner said he is looking forward to when Florida A&M plays Southern this fall.

&uot;I know Florida A&M beat them (Southern) 66-6 and I’d like to see us beat them again,&uot; he said.

Turner believes he can be in the starting lineup when that game comes around. In fact, he believes he can start right away.

&uot;I know I have to work hard,&uot; he said. &uot;I might go to summer school in Florida.&uot;

Turner said he is going to miss his friends, especially the six from Natchez who played at Co-Lin the past two years.

&uot;It was great and I am going to miss them,&uot; he said. &uot;We’ve been together since eighth grade when we played flag football. It’s been a lot of fun.&uot;

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