This is one of the few regrets Turner has about being a college athlete: He couldn't spend a year abroad, experiencing another culture, the way some students do.
"I know that at some point, when my football career is over, I want to get out of the country and experience the world," Turner said. "After my senior season, depending on what happens, I really want to make it to South Africa."
This is part of the reason: His favorite sport is futbol, not football. He wants to go to South Africa to experience another culture and to see the World Cup in Johannesburg in June and July of 2010.
"Some of my friends are like, 'Why don't you move to Canada, Chris?' " Turner said. "But I just love soccer. I love that it's a global sport."
This is what his coach wants to see from him in the fall, when most of Maryland's hopes will rest on his shoulders: "What he can't do is get down on himself," Friedgen said. "If things don't go well, he needs to keep playing. His strength is that he's able to come back [from mistakes] and focus. I think he has to portray that to the other players and lead that way."
This is what you might see from Turner in the fall: a senior quarterback truly comfortable with who he is lofting beautiful spirals for touchdowns. A competitor who lives for these moments. A leader who is also preparing himself for the next big thing.
red-white spring game
When: Saturday, 3:30 p.m.
Where: Byrd Stadium (gates open at noon; enter on the north side, opposite Tyser Tower)
Admission: Free
Parking: Terrapin Trail Garage
Autographs: 12:30-1:30 p.m.
