Speed of a Zebra

SI Staff | Sep 30, 2014

Speed of a Zebra

As head linesman, Turner watched for offside and coverage men leaving too early, then slid downfield to look for illegal blocks.

As head linesman, Turner watched for offside and coverage men leaving too early, then slid downfield to look for illegal blocks

But once the runback was on, he his job was to stay as close to the action as possible.

But once the runback was on, he his job was to stay as close to the action as possible

Here, that meant shifting direction to match Sproles, while keeping his eyes on the runner . . .

Here, that meant shifting direction to match Sproles, while keeping his eyes on the runner

. . . as well as on blocker Chris Polk and punter Andy Lee.

. . . as well as on blocker Chris Polk and punter Andy Lee

At this point Sproles had been at top speed for nearly 30 yards . . .

At this point Sproles had been at top speed for nearly 30 yards

. . . but Turner, too, hit his stride . . .

. . . but Turner, too, hit his stride

. . . and got in step with the returner inside the Niners’ 20.

. . . and got in step with the returner inside the Niners’ 20

Once Lee was out of the play it was clear Sproles would score.

Once Lee was out of the play it was clear Sproles would score

The linesman’s responsibility is the end zone, so Turner must accompany the runner to goal line.

The linesman’s responsibility is the end zone, so Turner must accompany the runner to goal line

Sproles clocked a 4.47 40 at the combine and doesn’t appear to have lost a step.

Sproles clocked a 4.47 40 at the combine and doesn’t appear to have lost a step

But Turner doesn’t do too shabby here either . . .

But Turner doesn’t do too shabby here either

. . . staying mostly stride for stride with the speedy Sproles to the 10-yard line . . .

. . . staying mostly stride for stride with the speedy Sproles to the 10-yard line

. . . whereupon Sproles cruises to the end zone and Turner begins to pull up to get in position to signal the TD.

. . . whereupon Sproles cruises to the end zone and Turner begins to pull up to get in position to signal the TD

It’s congratulations for Sproles, and some pretty impressive work for first-year NFL official Turner.

It’s congratulations for Sproles, and some pretty impressive work for first-year NFL official Turner