Interview: 2018 California LB Randell Turner Updates Fresno State Visit, Previews Arizona
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
After a big junior season, Randell Turner is finally getting his due along the recruiting trail. The 6-3, 230 pound, linebacker was a stud for Norco High School last season earning first team All-League honors which has brought college programs around to the Corona, California, area seeing how Turner could be an impact player for their program as part of the 2018 recruiting class.
The Cougars were a young and scrappy 7-5 team during the 2016 season. One of the highlights of the team on defense was the play of Turner. He ended the year with 92 tackles, 30 solo, 10 tackles for a loss, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and two interceptions. Missing out on college camps over the summer may have slowed his rising momentum on college scouting boards, but his play on the field to start the 2017 season is quickly erasing any lingering doubts. Teams showing interest in Turner includes Utah, Oregon, BYU, UNLV, Cal, Montana State, Boise State, Hawaii, and Washington State. Three offers have already been extended from Idaho, Howard, and Dixie State.
The three offers may soon be getting some well-deserved company; last weekend Turner visited Fresno State and is off to Arizona this weekend after a showdown against a very good Orange Lutheran squad. In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Turner getting an update on his visit with the Bulldogs, a preview to his visit with the Wildcats, and a quick season update.
Interview
Randell, congratulations on your unofficial to Fresno State. How did it go?
“The visit was amazing. The coaching staff loved me. Fresno State has one of the best staffs I have met so far, and their fans were great.”
Which coaches did you meet with during your visit?
“Coach (Bert) Watts (linebacker), Coach (Jamar) Cain (defensive line), Coach (J.D.) Williams (defensive backs), and Coach (Quinn) Tedford, their director of player personnel.”
What did the coaches talk about with you?
“They talked to me about the role they see me as at Sam – strong-side outside linebacker. They talked a lot about my academics. They really do care for my future. They asked me if I see myself fitting in there and they also asked me about my work ethic.”
Do you see yourself fitting in with their defensive style of play?
“Yes, very much. Their defense fits the style I play. I would play any position on that defense.”
Did you sit in on any meetings?
“No. I walked into the locker room for a second and into the weight room. I got to see a couple minutes of Derek Carr’s press conference.”
What was your overall impression of the campus and facilities?
“My overall impression, I thought it was amazing. I loved it from top to bottom. What I loved most, everywhere I went the people were very inviting. They made me feel at home. It was great. I loved everything about it.”
How did the staff leave everything with you in terms of recruiting?
“They asked me to keep sending in my highlights and that they would be getting back to me shortly.”
Do they have your transcripts already?
“They do have my transcripts.”
Do you plan on visiting Fresno State again and, if so, when?
“No. Not yet.”
Do you have any other visits coming up?
“I’m going to Arizona tomorrow (Friday).”
Nice. What has you excited about that trip?
“I’m always exciting about going to a game.”
Which game are you getting to see this weekend?
“Houston verses Arizona.”
That should be a lot of fun. Is there anything you are hoping to learn about Arizona during your visit (unofficial)?
“I want to see their environment. I want to see if I can see myself playing there. I just want to see what it is like there.”
After Arizona, do you have any other trips planned?
“I am going to UNLV on Oct. 6 (unofficial).”
I look forward to hearing about that one as well. I have a couple of quick questions about your senior season so far. How is the season going for you personally on the field so far?
“Personally, the season has gone well, other than the two losses. I am averaging 9 to 10 tackles a game. I have five tackles for a loss, two sacks and a forced fumble so far.”
What areas of your game are showing the most improvement?
“My pass rushing and the power of my hits. I am hitting a lot harder this year. I am way more physical than the guys blocking me. I can tell by how I am getting off my blocks.”
Which areas are you still working on each week?
“My reaction time to the run and to the pass. I am reading everything faster this year.”
You guys get a tough Orange Lutheran team this week, how are you attacking their offense?
“My plan is to physically dominate them. Attack them every play.”
Randell, good luck against Orange Lutheran and with your visit this weekend to Arizona.
“Thank you.”
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Photo credit: Turner family; Randell Turner at FSU
Photo credit: Turner family; Randell Turner with Bert Watts
Photo credit: Turner family; Randell Turner at Fresno State