Interview: 2021 Arkansas ATH Kam Turner May have had Best 2020 Season in the Nation
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
When it comes to one person impacting a team in every contest played and in all three phases of the game, one would be hard pressed to find a high school player on the national level who outperformed Kam Turner during the 2020 season. Turner was flat out amazing, and did all of his damage primarily playing in just the first half carrying his Rivercrest squad to an Arkansas state title game.
The stats tell it, Kam Turner (5-11, 170) is different. The athleticism, speed, and grit shinned through on defense at safety putting an end to 75 plays with 12 tackles for a loss, four picks, six passes broken up, three fumble recoveries, and one forced fumble. On offense, the Colts were driven to success watching their quarterback throw for 3,039 yards with 38 touchdowns with just four interceptions while rushing 199 times for 1,762 yards with 24 scores posted on the big board. The window dressing, a 73-yard touchdown reception and punt and kick returns.
Every top in-state honor came Turner’s way including 4A Offensive Player of the Year, Hooten’s Defensive Player of the Year, Next Up Sports Player of the Year, and, of course, All-State and All-Conference on both sides of the ball.
With seven offers extended, Turner put faith in himself accepting a preferred walk-on offer at Arkansas State. To say the Red Wolves got a steal along the recruiting trail is the understatement of the year.
In an RNG stylized Q&A, Turner stopped by the Clubhouse to mix it up talking his standout senior season and how Arkansas State lured him to Jonesboro.
Interview
Kam, I have not seen every player’s 2020 stat line in the nation but I am guessing it would be hard to find someone that outperformed you. Given all that you were doing in all three phases, how did you prepare for your roles on offense and defense during the season?
Throughout the week it was a basic routine with a focus on getting my mind right. I was focused on trying to figure out what the other team would do. It was a mindset thing this season.
On offense, what attack were you executing?
We ran an RPO-Spread offense. We threw a lot, over 20 times a game, and that opened up the run.
Beating teams with your arms and your legs, how were defenses attacking you?
Usually going into a Cover 3 with blitzes on the blindside from their outside linebacker or they’d do a stunt or a slant. The other two linebackers were always spying me.
When you wrapped your senior year, what did you feel were the strengths to your game on offense?
My ability to make plays. On third and fourth downs, I was making plays to keep the drive going.
Let’s flip the field, because you were getting after it in the Colts’ secondary. Where were you lining up and what were some of the coverages you guys were executing?
We did a lot of man and Cover 3 with me over the top. I played the whole field. I was everywhere last season.
You further displayed your athleticism on defense in your coverage and coming downhill taking out running backs legs. What are some of the other strengths to your game as a defender?
I have a knack for the ball. I watch film, but my instincts tell me where the ball is going. Because I can read offenses, I know what they are doing.
Regardless of the phase of the game, which traits to your skills do you feel may get overlooked?
My abilities playing quarterback. With me playing both sides, I didn’t play past halftime in each game this season. I didn’t get to play a whole game.
Wait, you put up all those stats during the 2020 season only playing in about half of every game?
Yes, sir.
Makes it all even more impressive.
Thank you.
Preparing for the next level, what have you been working on with your game this offseason?
I think I will be playing defense in college. I have focused on getting stronger, faster, my footwork and my catching. In the weight room I have been doing squats and upper body lifts. I am getting stronger all around. With speed and agility, I have worked on my footwork doing ladder and DB drills.
When did you commit to Arkansas State?
I committed on Feb. 2.
You mentioned you might play defense, at which position did they recruited you?
They told me they will put me on special teams at first. I am in the DB group chat, but they were recruiting me as an athlete.
Kam, it was a joy learning more about you and your talents today. Thank you for your time. Wishing you continued success with your offseason workouts preparing for the 2021 season with Arkansas State.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credit: Turner family; Kam Turner