Interview: Stud 2018 California LB Randell Turner Ready to Set Tone for Norco Defense

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

Defenses at all levels can have tone setters across the field that are leaders looked to in clutch situations to make plays happen. The leaders can emerge from the defensive end position, tackle, or even from a down the alley safety ready to wipe a play clean from misses in the box. But a truly dominating defense takes their cue from a fear no one linebacker ready to warp the opposition’s facemask while handing out backside grass stains to running backs trying to cross the line of scrimmage. Norco High School has their tone setter in Class of 2018 linebacker Randell Turner.

Turner took leadership of the Cougars’ defense during his junior season earning first team All-League honors after coming up with 92 tackles, 30 solo, 10 tackles for a loss, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and two interceptions. He is that rare mix of size, speed, and strength coupled with a football IQ that puts him in position to make plays one series after another. Perhaps the only thing truly missing in Turner’s game is next level recognition.

College scouts have taken an odd approach to recruiting players off the Inland Empire squad over the years, and the 2018 class is treated no differently. Despite great talent on the squad, college coaches have been slow to click with the realization that there are next level players at Norco. This holds true for Turner as well.

Running back Travis Dye broke free from the mold, with the help of a dynamic athletic family bloodline, verbally committing to Oregon. Offensive/defensive lineman Jarrett Bell had to camp at Alabama this summer and had to personally receive an offer from head coach Nick Saban before the rest of the country, and recruiting services, finally took notice. The senior class at Norco has other athletic talents like receiver/defensive back Matae Thomas, defensive back Robert Bishop Jr., and safety Lance Tiangco that are being overlooked as well. On the other side of the ball, offensive linemen Brandon Kemper and Donny Long are sleepers on the trail with a lot of upside.

With all the current baffling misses by talent evaluators, one of the biggest in California is Turner. The 6-2, 230 pound, athlete has a 40-yard dash clocked in the 4.5 range, strength to match with a 315-pound bench press and a 465 deadlift, and equally as important has a 3.0 cumulative GPA with passing scores on his college entrance exams. With all the positives pushing him forward just three offers have come in so far; Idaho, Dixie State, and Howard.

The good news is, it seems every other Pac-12 and Mountain West Conference program is showing various levels of interest in Turner going into the 2017 season. The Cougars have another challenging schedule ahead squaring off against the likes of Servite (Aug. 25), Rancho Cucamonga (Sept. 1), Orange Lutheran, (Sept. 15), Corona (Oct. 6), nationally ranked Centennial (Oct. 27), and rival Roosevelt. Another first team Big VIII All-Conference kind of season should open eyes across the country on Turner.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with one of the top under the radar talents in the nation covering his offseason workouts while getting a quick preview of the Cougars’ 2017 team.

Interview

Randell, this spring and summer has been a big moment in time for you preparing for your senior year. What all have you done to get ready for the 2017 season?

“I ran a lot of hills around Norco, went to a lot of college camps, and learned more drills to do on my own. I was also in the weight room twice a day. That’s about it – a lot of running and lifting.”

How has your game come along this offseason?

“Our defense has a new defensive coordinator. We are running a 3-4 this season. I will be at inside linebacker and sometimes at defensive end. I have been practicing playing end with Jarrett Bell. I have been rushing against him a lot. I feel comfortable with that. You should see a lot of rushing the quarterback from me this year. I feel comfortable in space with my pass drops (pass coverage). I have gotten a lot better at reading guards and reading my keys. I feel faster on my feet this year going into the season.”

You mentioned you went to a lot of camps this summer, which camps did you attend?

“I went to an Arizona, Washington, Oregon, Fresno State, Utah, and Washington State camp. I can’t remember all of them right now, those are the ones I can remember off the top of my head.”

Of all the camps attended, which was your best camp performance?

“The Oregon camp.”

What did you do well at Oregon’s camp?

“I showed my speed at their camp. I came in second in the “Fastest Man Challenge.” Utah was there. Utah loved me speed as well.”

When we last did an interview your recruiting stock was really starting to take off. You have three offers now, which schools are showing interest in you but have not offered yet?

“Cal, Montana State, UNLV, Boise State, BYU, Fresno State, Washington State, Arizona, Utah, and Oregon are all showing interest.”

Did you take any unofficial visits this offseason?

“Yes, sir. I visited UNLV.”

How did your visit with UNLV go?

“It went really well. The coaching staff loves me there.”

Do you have any visits planned for this fall?

“I’m taking my first official visit to Fresno State on Sept. 2 (Incarnate Word).”

That’s great. Enough with recruiting, let’s talk about the upcoming season. The Cougars are loaded with talent, how does the team look so far through fall camp?

“We’re looking great. We are looking faster across the field. Our O-line is bigger and stronger this year. Our run game should be great. We got a transfer from Notre Dame High School, (Lance Tiangco) he should be big for us on defense. I feel we are looking really good going into the season.”

What will be some of the strengths of the team this year on defense?

“Our pass rush and run stop.”

(Laugh) That doesn’t leave much else.

(Laughs) “You’re right.”

What goals have you set for your senior year?

“I want to win a Division-II ring. I want to win state and earn Defensive Player of the Year for our league (Big VIII). I want to dominate this year.”

Randell, I believe you will. For someone like me, the schedule set with the first three games against Servite, Rancho Cucamonga, and Orange Lutheran are fantastic. Did you prep for these teams this summer?

“I’ve watched film on Servite. I have not looked at OLU. I have seen their guys at 5v5 linemen tournaments. I’ve been looking at Servite for a long time. Rancho, I have not looked at them yet. I know they have some great secondary players and a lot of team speed.”

What has you excited about the first three games this season?

“Being able to go out and compete. We have a member of our family (Gavin Strong) that was diagnosed with cancer. Since he has been in my life, I have been looking at life and the game differently. I have more of a purpose to play for with him and my mom, and for the love of the game.”

Are there any other games you are excited to play this year, say, oh, I don’t know, maybe Centennial?

(Laughs) “Centennial – I am excited to play them but we are taking it one game at a time. When it comes time, we will prepare for them like any other team. But, they are marked on our schedule.”

Do you have a message for Big VIII opponents this year?

“Protect your quarterback.”

Thanks for your time today and good luck with the upcoming season.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: recruitingnewsguru.com; Randell Turner at a 5v5 linemen tournament