#82 Turner Cockrell

IN MEMORIAM 
Sept. 30, 1997-Nov. 29, 2018

2018
After battling a melanoma diagnosis for more than a year, Cockrell passed away from the illness on November 29… Cockrell’s fight has been a primary motivation and inspiration for the Vanderbilt squad during the regular season, especially late in the year with the Commodores winning three of their final four regular-season games to reach the Texas Bowl… Cockrell participated in offseason conditioning with the team but missed the entire 2018 regular season after receiving a second diagnosis last spring… Head coach Derek Mason acknowledged Cockrell’s importance to the Vanderbilt program in early September, awarding him the game ball after the Commodores’ season-opening victory over Middle Tennessee.

2017
Cockrell did not see game action in his second year with the program… Contributed as a tight end on scout teams during the regular season.

2016
Cockrell did not play as a first-year offensive player… Participated during the regular season as an offensive scout team tight end.

HIGH SCHOOL
Two-year starter for one of Georgia’s top teams… Started at TE for run-oriented attack… As a senior, helped Allatoona to 14-1 mark and AAAAA state title, the first championship in school history… Averaged 25.3 yards on 13 receptions and hauled in three TDs as senior… Set school record wth 93-yard touchdown reception in state semifinals… As senior, earned first-team All-State from sportswriters and All-Cobb County honors… As junior, played important role for 14-1 squad that lost in AAAAA title game… Standout on varsity lacrosse squad.

PERSONAL
Turner James Cockrell… Born Sept. 30, 1997… Son of Randy and Noelle Cockrell… Was the oldest of three siblings: brother, Parker, and sister, Katheryn… Dad is federal criminal investigator; mom is instructor at Allatoona HS… Dad was four-year LB at Virginia Tech and played one year in World Football League.