Shining a Light at Home: Erit Turner's Commitment to Jackson's Future

Written by Shelby Tyre
Photos by Dan Battle

“Why go be a light in somebody else’s town when I can shine a light in my own?” For Erit Turner, these words are more than a mantra—they’re the foundation of everything he does.

When the stadium lights blaze on a Friday night, they illuminate more than just the field; they cast hope and possibility across a community. Erit Turner understands this better than anyone. As Head Football Coach at Jackson Central Merry (JCM), Turner has turned the familiar glow of Friday night lights into a beacon for change, inspiring the next generation to dream bigger and work harder in his hometown of Jackson, Tennessee.

I first met Erit Turner in 2021, my first year as executive producer of WBBJ’s Football Friday Night show. It was also his debut season as head coach at JCM. During that initial meeting, he was quiet and reserved, thoughtfully sharing his vision for the Cougars with WBBJ Sports Director Zach Jones. When I walked into JCM’s football facility for this interview I was immediately reminded of that same quiet confidence. At first, Erit appeared just as reserved, but as we began talking about football and his passion for his student-athletes, his love for the game and dedication to his work became unmistakable. His demeanor isn’t detached but intentional—grounded in experience, fully aware of his worth, and driven by a clear sense of purpose. What once felt like quiet resolve now shines as the assured confidence of a leader who understands the impact of his work and the value of his leadership.

Born and raised in Jackson, Tennessee, Turner has built his life and career on the belief that real change begins at home. As head coach, Turner isn’t just guiding a team; he’s shaping a community, proving that investment in local youth can spark something powerful.

Turner’s journey to leadership is deeply tied to Jackson’s story. A proud graduate of JCM, he grew up on the football field, where he discovered his passion for the game. After attending the University of Memphis, Turner began coaching at North Side High School, where he honed his ability to connect with players and inspire them both on and off the field. He later joined the coaching staff at the University School of Jackson (USJ), gaining insight into different approaches to coaching and leadership.

When JCM reopened its doors in 2021, Turner knew he had a decision to make. Could he take on the challenge of rebuilding not just a football program, but a culture? He wasn’t sure at first, but as he puts it, “If I didn’t apply, I’d never know. So I went for it.”

Taking the reins at JCM wasn’t easy. His first year as head coach was marked by struggles to gain the trust of his players and build a foundation for success. But Turner leaned on lessons from his previous roles and developed a coaching philosophy that’s as much about character as it is about competition. “Great coaches aren’t just managers of talent—they’re mentors. It’s about helping players see their own potential and take ownership of their futures,” he explains.

The results speak for themselves. In the 2024 season, Turner led the Cougars to a 9-3 record and a playoff run that energized the community. Though their season ended in a close loss to Milan, Turner doesn’t dwell on setbacks. “Losses are lessons,” he says, emphasizing growth over results. His ability to reframe challenges has become a cornerstone of his leadership, pushing his players to build resilience both on and off the field.

Turner’s impact extends far beyond football. He’s deeply invested in equipping young men with the skills and values they need to succeed in life—discipline, responsibility, and respect for others. 

“Football is just the vessel,” he says. “It’s really about teaching them how to be men of character.” 

His players aren’t just learning how to win games; they’re learning how to lead, how to work hard, and how to believe in their own potential.

Some students face unique challenges—many of which Turner has experienced firsthand or witnessed in his peers growing up. Poverty, single-parent households, and limited opportunities can create barriers that feel insurmountable, but Turner doesn’t see these challenges as the end of the story.

 "I came from a single-parent home, just like many of these kids," he says. "I didn’t have everything handed to me, but I had drive." 

Turner believes the school's strong sense of community gives them a fighting chance. He knows that overcoming these barriers isn’t easy, but he sees the potential in each of them. Football, for Turner, is a powerful tool for transformation—not just as a sport, but as a way for these kids to build character, learn discipline, and discover the value of hard work. 

“Where you come from doesn’t define where you’re going,” he often reminds his athletes. By showing them what’s possible, Turner is reshaping the narrative for a new generation.

Erit Turner’s journey is a testament to resilience, leadership, and the transformative power of investing in your own community. His work proves that big dreams can thrive in small towns—and that Friday night lights don’t just shine for the players on the field; they illuminate a path forward for an entire generation.

As Turner reflects on his journey, his vision for the future remains clear: to continue investing in Jackson’s youth and showing them what’s possible when you stay rooted and lead with purpose. His story challenges us all to ask: How can I shine a light where I am?