Kickers pretending to have their legs taken out and receivers pretending they were pushed in order to draw a flag are not generally well-liked athletes, often being called “actors” as a synonym for using tactics considered dirty.

However, Indiana wide receiver Terrance Turner wears the title with honor — that’s because he really is an actor. Turner is a theater and drama major, not something usually seen on a college football team. And although Turner said he would have preferred to major in something closer to his real passion, acting in films, the choice was a no-brainer.

“There’s no film degree or acting degree at Indiana University, necessarily, but theater was the next closest thing,” Turner said. “Theater is not really my forte, not something I eventually want to pursue in the future, but it is something I can hone my skills with and something that does interest me somewhat, so it was an easy choice.”

It was also the right choice, teammate Adam Replogle said.

“I can definitely see that it fits him,” Replogle said. “He’s an animated guy in the locker room and one of the funnier guys on the team. He’s always joking around with everyone.”

“I really enjoy guys like that, that obviously have diverse interests,” Indiana head coach Bill Lynch said. “He obviously has real interest in things outside of football, and is very talented.”

While Turner said his acting skills don’t really translate into the game itself, he said it does help him relate to people, something quarterback Ben Chappell appreciates.

“He’s met a lot of people on campus through (his acting) and he’s learned to deal with different types of people, so I think that is definitely a huge relationship builder.”

One of the things Turner enjoys doing most is short films, something he has tried to spread to his teammates as well.

“In the past I have (tried),” Turner said. “I try to get them involved as much as I can, but some of the guys aren’t really into it too much.”

Even though his teammates may not want to participate in Turner’s films, Replogle said they are more than willing to support him in other ways.

“We do (try to see his performances),” Replogle said.

“It’s kind of hard to during football season … but as far as plays go, after the season we definitely want to go out and support him.”

When it comes to football season though, Turner said there is no doubt which of his two passions comes first.

“Football, for sure,” Turner said. “No doubt.”

That dedication has helped make him into the leader of Indiana’s wide receiver corps, Chappell said.

“I think the thing that makes Terrance so unique is that he can joke around and stuff, but I think everyone on the team knows that when it’s time to go out there and work, then he’s the first guy out there,” Chappell said. “He won’t let coach take him out. He’s going to be in there, and that’s what makes him so special.”

As for the future, Turner said he hopes he doesn’t have to choose one or the other.

“Hopefully, I’d like to do both,” Turner said. “Life is all about getting out there and trying to reach your goals, so hopefully I reach both of those goals. I’ll be satisfied; I can die a happy man.”