So, who is Eagles receiver Paul Turner?

Trying to ascend an NFL depth chart is difficult for any undrafted rookie, but Paul Turner can be excused for being undaunted. When he started his college career at LSU, Turner saw a wide receiver depth chart filled with future NFL players, including Pro Bowlers Odell Beckham Jr. and Jarvis Landry.

Turner transferred from LSU to Louisiana Tech - the main impetus was the health of his grandmother, not the standouts blocking his path to playing time - and the Eagles added him as one of four undrafted receivers in May. Turner has been the most impressive one this summer, proving capable of translating to tougher competition and distinguishing himself at a crowded position.

"Turner has really kind of caught our eye here the last couple of weeks and is doing a nice job there," coach Doug Pederson said. "He's caught our attention. He's definitely a slot receiver."

Every summer has its underdog story, the undrafted rookie who doesn't play like one and excites the part of the fan base that takes interest in the decision between the 53rd player on the roster and the first player cut. Turner is that player this summer.

Through two preseason games, the 5-foot-10, 193-pound 23-year-old leads the Eagles with nine catches for 78 yards. He was the leading receiver in both games. Last Thursday, he made a one-handed catch in the third quarter that belongs on any highlight reel of the game. And it continued to be a daily occurrence through training camp - No. 80's making tough catches and being consistent in his production.

"I'd honestly say things started to slow down when camp came," Turner said. "In OTAs, things were kind of rough because you were learning a completely different offense. . . . Now it's made things a lot easier, and you're able to basically know what to do and read coverages and know where you're supposed to be and not be so focused on what route I have on this play."

Turner has already mixed in with the first-team offense at times this summer. Expect that to continue this week. The Eagles have Jordan Matthews, Nelson Agholor, and Dorial Green-Beckham all expected to make the team, but Josh Huff, Rueben Randle, and Chris Givens still figure to be fighting for roster spots. Turner has worked his way into that group, and Pederson said he would like to see Turner against top competition if the numbers work out. In that case, Turner would take more snaps with Sam Bradford, who is among the players impressed.

"He's one of those guys who does everything right," Bradford said. "He's always in the right spot. He always finishes tough, contested plays. . . . He's one of those guys who each day seems to get a little better."

Matthews, the Eagles' top receiver, said the biggest benefit of his summer knee injury has been more playing time for Turner. What he likes most about Turner is his confidence. Matthews said the football field is five inches long - the space between the ears - and Turner has the mind-set for the position.

"He's very calm," Matthews said. "He'll make a big play and act like it didn't even happen. That's just his demeanor. That's who it is. It's innate. And when you bring a guy in, it's not just what you saw from college. It's probably something that's been built up since he was a kid. . . . You can tell he was raised right."

Turner is from Monroe, La., where he grew up the son of a police captain and an accountant. He was a standout quarterback who maintained a 4.0 GPA as a senior at West Monroe High School before going to LSU. That's where Turner converted to wide receiver, redshirted as a freshman, and played nine games as a redshirt freshman.

With his grandmother ailing back home and the possibility of more playing time at Louisiana Tech, Turner transferred. He finished second on the team in receiving the last two years while driving back and forth the 30 minutes from Rustin, La., to West Monroe, La., to help with his grandmother.

After going undrafted, he chose the Eagles because of Pederson's system. In order to stick, he'll need to jump over players ahead of him on the depth chart. For a player who has been behind top players before, Turner seems undaunted.

"This is something I expect out of myself," Turner said. "I know what I can do."

zberman@phillynews.com

@ZBerm www.philly.com/eaglesblog