SMU beats Miami and Oklahoma for local TE Zachery Turner

Duncanville (Texas) High tight end prospect Zachery Turner committed to SMU on Saturday.

The Lone Star State blue-chipper chose to play for head coach Rhett Lashlee and his staff over Miami and Oklahoma among others.

The local SMU program overtook Miami atop the list late in the process to land the coveted target.

“They environment at SMU felt good,” Turner said following his official visit. “And what Coach Lashlee do with his program is great.”

Turner has spoken highly of SMU throughout his process. He has been on campus numerous times.

“It stands out a lot because they have some Duncanville players up there,” Turner told On The Pony Express insider Billy Embody. “It (the season) means a lot. They had a real good season.”

Offensive coordinator Casey Woods and wide receivers coach Rob Likens are among those recruiting Turner from SMU.

“They’re nice, they got a solid coaching staff,” he said. “I like that you can see the difference in SMU, the way they play and all.”

Turner ranks as the nation’s No. 23 athlete. He’s been a dynamic pass catcher the past two seasons turning 88 receptions into 1,558 yards and 24 touchdowns, averaging nearly 18 yards per catch. As a junior Turner had 58 grabs for 933 yards and 14 scores.

Turner adds to an SMU class Rivals previously ranked No. 19 nationally.