Interview: 3-Star 2022 Fayetteville LB Kaiden Turner Talks Playoffs and Recruiting

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

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High school football fans in the state of Arkansas has seen this story before, Fayetteville High School is heating up at the right time which spells trouble for the opposition. The Bulldogs had a rough start to their season playing one of the toughest schedules in the region but have continued to gel and improve claiming victory in four of their last five outings. One of the big reasons for the turn around is the play of Class of 2022 linebacker Kaiden Turner.

As the Bulldogs ramp up for their regular season finale seeking a No. 2 seed in the 7A playoffs, their 6-1, 218-pound, head thumper is burying jokers in the turf game after game. In stats posted through seven games, Turner has ended 46 plays, 21 on his own, with 11 tackles for a loss, five sack, four quarterback hurries, two picks, a pass broken up, two fumble recoveries, and a forced fumble. That hardnosed style works on short yardage plays for the offense taking eight handoffs for 23 yards.

After a breakout sophomore season highlighted with 87 tackles, 9.5 tackles for a loss, and 5.5 sacks, college programs are on this three-star recruit. Offers from Arkansas, Houston, Indiana, and Kansas have been extended with interest rising.

*Click link for Aug. 20 RNG interview with Kaiden Turner

Interview

Kaiden, we spoke preseason about your workouts and the change in the defense from a 4-3 to a 3-4. How are you adapting to the new scheme?

Dude, I will tell you what, we are back to a 4-3. I like it a lot. We also switched our coverage in the back end.

What are you doing this year? Are you taking on a new role?

I am playing inside. I drop in coverage more because of our backend defending the curl and I go man on the running back. Not a ton has changed but I do have more pass responsibilities.

With your offseason workouts coupled with the experience from the games played in 2020, where are you showing the improvements in your game?

Probably how I move laterally in the box. My movement left and right, getting off blocks, and making tackles.

Which game has been your personal best this season?

As far as making clutch plays, I’d say the Southside game. I had 15 to 16 tackles and I got a pick to end the game. That was a good one, I also got an onside kick to get the ball back to win the game and I had two or three fourth down stops.

That qualifies. Great game.

Thank you.

Last we spoke you also mentioned getting some snaps in at running back. Looks like that is happening for you. Fill me in on that part of your game.

They are putting me out there for short yardage, goal line, and two-point conversions.

Are you in as a fullback-lead blocker type plus some carries?

All my plays are carries.

The Bulldogs are hitting stride at the right time winning four of the last five games. How is the team looking in your opinion heading into the regular season finale at home against Little Rock Central (2-4)?

Our defense looks incredible; just outstanding. Two nights ago, we had a back and forth game. Our offense was not doing amazing, but our defense was stopping their offense. It was a great back and forth game.

How will beating the Tigers impact the playoff seeding for you guys?

As a No. 2 seed, that will help. It puts us in good position to make the next round.

What are you expecting from Central’s offense on Friday?

I’m sure they will run a lot. A lot of the central Arkansas teams like to run. I’m not exactly sure what else to expect right now, we’ve not done a lot of film study on them yet.

Let’s dive into recruiting. Which schools are showing interest as the season progresses?

Kansas State is showing a lot of interest, Nebraska, Colorado is a bit, and Washington State. Those are the big ones that are close to offering but have not yet.

How many offers are you holding now?

Four.

If and when visits are allowed again in 2021, are there any schools you’d like to go see?

I’d love to see all of them that have offered. I want to see Nebraska and Kansas State as well.

Kaiden, it was great catching up with you today. I appreciate your time and wish you and the Bulldogs success running through the playoffs.

Thank you, sir.

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Photo credit: Ken Sharits/Turner family; Kaiden Turner