My cousin Steven Turner has just signed with the Stampeders and right now he’s on our practice roster.

One thing I can tell you about him that he’s cut from the same mold as me — great work ethic, determined and he just wants to get an opportunity to play.

He’s smaller than me obviously but I will say that he’s faster. He has the edge in the speed category. Not by much, but he does have the edge in that.

We only lived a 10-minute drive apart when we were kids. Some days, we’d go to his house after school to hang out, so it was pretty good. I’ve always said he’s more like a brother to me than a cousin. We’ve played on every football team together, from our high school to our city team to college to now the professional level.

He’s always been a step ahead of me as far as playing for those teams but I guess now I can guide him because I got here in Calgary first. I’m the big guy and I get to guide him on the way we operate around here.

The most important thing I can tell him about playing here is that you have to show up and be accountable for your job. That one thing alone can take you far in this organization — be accountable and do the right thing.

Yes, playing football may be a dream for us, but it’s also your job. Coach Huff asks us to be prepared, to know your job and to do your assignments.

I know it’s been tough on Steven having to deal with the injury he had last year. I spoke to him a couple of times and I tried to be as positive and supportive as I could and to help the shoulder the burden with him. I’m so happy that he’s gotten this opportunity to showcase what he can do. He’s been given a second chance to pursue his dream.

I’ve played three regular-season games now and I feel like I’m getting more and more confortable. The vets are helping me so much, especially DeVone Claybrooks. He’s taken me under his wing and he’s been showing me the ropes. I appreciate what he’s done for me so far. I feel real comfortable in the defence now and as the season goes on, I’ll continue to progress and get better.

From everything I’ve learned so far, I know Saturday is going to be a big game. Not only is it the Battle of Alberta and the Eskimos have a perfect record, but we’re playing for first place. We’ve got to get a win at home. We just reeled off two close victories on the road and now we have to come up with a good showing at home and give the fans something to get excited about after Stampede. We have to show up and play and be physical.

Junior Turner, #23
>> Turner bio