Update Interview with Overlooked 2019 OLB Jaivontrel Turner

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

A lot of college coaches talk about wanting an ideal player who has a strong work ethic, the desire and motivation to improve, is a good kid, and has a team-first mentality. But, when push comes to shove, a lot of these same coaches abandon their ideals for recruiting stars ending up with a lost four-star project. For those coaches wanting the ideal player on their roster, 2019 linebacker/athlete Jaivontrel Turner might be the guy for you.

Turner has the all-to-familiar curse and blessing of being a good overall athlete capable of playing multiple positions, and doing them well. His 6-1, 220-pound, frame suggests running back, maybe safety, and possibly linebacker. During his senior season, Turner moved positions for his San Fernando High School out of need lining up at end making the transition a successful venture. He ended the year with 59 tackles, 32 solo, 15 tackles for a loss, 8.5 sacks, a forced fumble, and 15 quarterback hurries against Los Angeles area Division-I competition. The action was meaningful helping the Tigers to an 8-3 season with a defense that held opposing offenses to 16 points per game.

In an RNG catch-up interview, I sat down with the overlooked San Fernando High School senior getting insight on his senior season and offseason goals.

*Click link for Sept. 23, 2018, RNG video interview with Jaivontrel Turner

Interview

Jaivontrel, I know the full extent of the season did not go as planned once in the playoffs, but the Tigers overall had a really good season. Looking back, what are you most proud of from a team and personal standpoint?

“Looking back, I am proud that my team played well together. We did the best we could and we executed together, we played as a team and for each other. For me, I like how I was a player wherever the coach needed me, I went. I did not play for myself. I tried to put my team in the best spot to get a ring.”

We talked around mid-season about your game as a defender. By the end of the year, how did your overall game improve as an end/outside linebacker?

“By the end of the year, it had improved a lot. Playing end/outside linebacker was something new to me. I rolled with it. I feel the little things about the position, I caught up on throughout the season. I was coachable and worked to be the best player I could be for my team.

“From the fundamentals, my get off got a lot better throughout the season. My first step was more explosive by the end of the season. I was faster than the linemen I faced. Nine times out of 10, due to my speed I got to the ball beating linemen with my speed.”

Which game was your best in 2018?

“My best game was probably the Canoga Park or Dorsey game.”

What did you do well in those games to make them among your best?

“In those games, I played on both sides and I went 100 percent every time. I was putting them in the dirt. I was being greedy all night getting to the ball. My teammates were teasing me about letting them get some tackles. I told them ‘they better get to it’.”

The offseason is here, what are your workout goals and plans?

“My plan is to workout every day like I have practice, like nothing has changed and then season has continued. I know I am going to play for someone, I just don’t know for who yet.”

What are your goals in the weight room?

“I want to get 375 pounds on bench and 450 on squat before I graduate. I will also run track this spring.”

Are you running track to compete or to stay in shape and improve your overall speed?

“I will practice with the guys to keep myself in shape. I will keep doing the football stuff, keep working hard to improve.”

For the college coaches reading this who do not know you, what type of student-athlete is Jaivontrel Turner?

“I am the student-athlete who works hard. I come from nothing, football is my outlet. Football is my chance to further my education and do what I love. I want to provide for my family and football is a great opportunity for me to do so.”

Jaivontrel, I appreciate your time today and wish you success with your offseason workouts.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: recruitingnewsguru.com; No. 7 Jaivontrel Turner, team captain