Interview: Valley Mission League DL of the Year Jaivontrel “JJ” Turner Updates Recruiting
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
After earning first team All-City, first team All-League, and Defensive Lineman of the Year honors in the Valley Mission League during his senior year, it is a waiting game on the recruiting trail for Jaivontrel “JJ” Turner. As a 6-1, 220-pound, do-everything kind of athlete filling in at defensive end while also playing a tight end/wingback/fullback role on offense, Turner racked up 63 tackles, 35 solo, 16 tackles for a loss, 8.5 sacks, and 15 QB hurries with a forced fumble in 2018. Offers have come in from Black Hills State University, Trinity International University, and Concordia for the under the radar recruit.
For an update on his recruiting process, Turner and I caught up in a quick one-on-one.
*Click link for Nov. 14, 2018, RNG interview with JJ Turner
Interview
JJ, since the season has ended what have you been working on to improve your skillset?
“I’ve been practicing with the team, working out hard on the weights, and doing some field work.”
How is the lifting coming along?
“Great. I hit 350 on bench. I am going hard almost every day.”
How are things going with recruiting?
“Recruiting has been picking up a bit, I have three offers now.”
That’s great. Which schools have offered?
“I have offers from Black Hills State University, Trinity International University, and Concordia.”
Which schools are showing interest but have not offered yet?
“I am receiving interest from Cal-Lutheran and Sterling College.”
Do you have any planned visits you may take upcoming?
“Yes. In January, I plan on visiting Black Hills State and possibly Cal-Lutheran.”
Last question. Which bowl games are you excited to see?
“Alabama against Oklahoma. That will be a big game. One of the running backs for Oklahoma came out of our area. I’m excited to see how their squad does against Bama in the bowl game.”
Do you have a prediction?
“I think Alabama will win it.”
JJ, great catching up with you today. Good luck with your workouts and upcoming visits.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Turner family; JJ Turner in the weight room with offers.
I am shaken by the loss of Jaivontrel Turner (JJ). Such a young and promising talent. His loss is devastating to the family and friends. Just meeting I am just upset that I’ve not followed the young man.