JUCO All-America to visit SMU?

[SMUfiji43]

Wow this guy is a stud. He looks faster than Shawnbrey to me. He just explodes out of the backfield

[StallionsModelT]

OMG...His highlights are incredible! This would be the most naturally gifted player to suit up for SMU since the DP. After reading the story, I don't know what I would do if I were SMU. On one hand the kid made a HUGE mistake. Huge enough that despite his obvious ability almost every school in the country is passing on him. However, Coach Jones has a history of taking kids with a troubled past and making it work. Tough call either way. I would think that after five years in prison the kid has learned his lesson and understands that if he wants to have any kind of life he must stay clear of trouble. I think its worth the risk. Give the kid a second chance.

[Garret]

I followed Kenny Turner's recruiting *very* closely because RB is an area of need for Hawaii and Turner was the last RB recruit who was uncommitted that Hawaii was recruiting near NLI day. Hawaii's starting RB last year graduated and the top 2 RBs for this season are seniors...so you can see why RB was a need area. I was surprised that Hawaii did not offer a scholarship to Turner, but there were several reasons for this:

1. Hawaii had very few available scholarships left at the time of Turner's recruiting visit and had offers out to high-profile recruits that did not decide until after Turner's visit. For example, the highest rated recruit out of Hawaii this year on some recruiting boards was VJ Feheko, and he played the hat game on NLI day before picking Utah over Hawaii.

2. Turner has a twitter feed (http://twitter.com/KennyTurner3), and during his recruiting visit he indicated to friends that he didn't like Hawaii. When a friend asked him via twitter how he liked Hawaii, Turner wrote: "I don't its 2 different". Note that the timing of that twitter post was apparently *before* Turner met with Coach McMackin to find out whether or not Hawaii would be offering him a scholarship --offers normally come on the last day of the visit and Turner said he didn't like Hawaii the night before that.

3. I know that Turner and some others think that he has 3 years to play 3, but that is only assuming he gets a medical redshirt year. Two years ago he played in one game...he was hurt during his first play (a kickoff if I remember correctly) of the season and missed the rest of the season. He only got in for one play in the first game of the season, so his medical redshirt year should be automatic, but you never know with the NCAA. Having his medical records being from out of state and several years old could complicate things if the doctors who treated him have moved elsewhere.

4. Turner's past must be why so many other D-IA schools passed on recruiting him. JJ has had success in the past with giving players second chances (Tinoisamoa, Bess, and Brennan come to mind and all are in the NFL now), but he knows that he has to be extremely selective when taking those chances.

[reddevil]

I am all for this kid. Looks like he would even be an upgrade over Shawnbrey. I think the influences on him at a program like SMU would be much more beneficial than going to a larger school like a Miami or UT. Also, we should also keep in mind that Dante Stallworth is getting a second chance after actually killing someone. Why shouldn't Kenny get the same opportunity? It seems like he was punished much more severely than Stallworth.

[reddevil]

I also like the fact that at some point he was taking carries away from Chris Johnson. That's pretty impressive, even if it was only in high school.

[reddevil]

Interesting quote from his youtube highlight film. Take it for what its worth as it is youtube.

"KT is a solid versatile running back, Hes got the speed to burn you, the strength to run you over, and the jukes to break your ankles. This kid busts [deleted] in the weight room and you can always see him inspiring his teammates to do work. He may be not be from Cali but hes definately a leader on and off the field, I would know, I was a trainer at Fullerton JC so I saw this kid bust his [deleted] day in and day out. Get em KT."

[SMU 86]

I'll take another one and done while we get Fields and Pope ready to go. With his skills and speed if he has a good year he should be a high draft pick.

[giacfsp]

I'll take another one and done while we get Fields and Pope ready to go. With his skills and speed if he has a good year he should be a high draft pick.

That's exactly what I'm thinking — he sounds like a guy with his head screwed on straight who is looking forward with a good attitude. He looks amazing in that video, and if he's as hard a worker as they say ... suit him up and redshirt the two freshmen. Think about it — a pass-first offense that would be loaded with talented RBs.
I'm hoping for the best for this kid, no matter where he ends up - and hoping like hell it's at SMU!

[SmooBoy]

I am impressed with his balance and ability to change direction, moreso than his speed. The kid's got talent. If he end up on campus, let's hope his head is on right.

[ponyscott]

I am impressed with his balance and ability to change direction, moreso than his speed. The kid's got talent. If he end up on campus, let's hope his head is on right.

Agreed as he he is off the chart with his feet quickness and it really sounds like he has turned his life around and finishing classes with a high amount of credits. He wouldn't be able to do all of that if he wasn't highly motivated to change his life for the better.. I am all about a success, feel good story with a happy ending.

[NastyStang]

I'll take another one and done while we get Fields and Pope ready to go. With his skills and speed if he has a good year he should be a high draft pick.

That's exactly what I'm thinking — he sounds like a guy with his head screwed on straight who is looking forward with a good attitude. He looks amazing in that video, and if he's as hard a worker as they say ... suit him up and redshirt the two freshmen. Think about it — a pass-first offense that would be loaded with talented RBs.
I'm hoping for the best for this kid, no matter where he ends up - and hoping like hell it's at SMU!

Even if we sign this stud, there is no way we redshirt Fields. Fields should play in some form Day 1. I would love for us to ride Turner and sprinkle in Fields as a deadly change of pace. No more Line except maybe on goal line. Pope on the other hand should probably redshirt coming off injury and down on the depth chart...

[NastyStang]

Also, for the people who don't think the subscriptions are worth it. Check out Rivals right now. He has an interview with former high school teammate and NFL player of the year Chris Johnson. Great stuff...

[Stallion]

these days if you think a kid has enough raw talent that he might end up in the NFL-why redshirt him.Other factors could play in but I think Fields would play too. Also, this Turner kid would be admitted, if at all, on a "One Strike and Your Out" Policy so you've got to have someone ready.

[ponyinNC]

Also, for the people who don't think the subscriptions are worth it. Check out Rivals right now. He has an interview with former high school teammate and NFL player of the year Chris Johnson. Great stuff...

great interview with the NFL Offensive POY. I also agree with stallion, these days you've got to have 2 rb's ready to go.

[RE Tycoon]

Also, this Turner kid would be admitted, if at all, on a "One Strike and Your Out" Policy so you've got to have someone ready.

Yeah, I wouldn't be surprised if Turner (Dr.) stipulated that he not miss one class and someone from the school would verify he attended said classes everyday.

Sucks for the kid, but at the same time he did make a HUGE mistake and hopefully he realizes this is a great opportunity to redeem himself and hopefully he is willing to put in extra effort and deal with increased scrutiny.