There’s a new sheriff in town for the Javelina football team and his name is Jack Turner. Standing at 6-feet, 6-inches and 224 pounds, Turner was a force on the field in the Javelinas home opener passing for an impressive 274 passing yards through 24 passing attempts.
Turner has had quite the journey as a college quarterback(QB) starting off at Navarro College, then transferring to Louisiana Tech, a Division I program, before landing in Kingsville.
“I think anytime you get a chance to play football it’s a blessing, and it’s certainly a blessing being able to do it here in Texas, especially South Texas and Kingsville. So, it is something that I enjoy doing. It comes with its challenges of course but it’s a privilege to be able to do it,” Turner said.
At each step of his collegiate career, new Javelina Head Coach Scott Parr has been by his side. With years together, there has been a respect built for Turner in Coach Parr, completely trusting to be the leader the team needs.
“As a team leader Jack first leads by example. I believe he is highly skilled at knowing when it’s his time to be vocal and when it’s not. He doesn’t talk to hear himself talk. Jack is an encourager and encourages the entire room regardless of age, status with team, position. Jack believes in transparency and is very patient. We differ in our styles. I am more direct which I believe helps us complement each other well. Jack is respected by his teammates so much, though, because of his daily approach to the game and life. Jack has a high moral compass,” Coach Parr said.
With the arrival of Coach Parr a culture change has followed, with Turner at the helm of this new-look offense curated by Coach Parr and his team of coaches. Offensive opportunities are apparent for everyone involved.
“I feel like the playstyle has really shifted from ground heavy so much, to more of a balanced offense. A more free, action packed and just explosive offense where we can get our playmakers space and stuff like that. I’d say as a receiver in the offense you know I’m just excited every game week, because you never know when your number’s going to get called. It’ll be at least one time every drive or possession. It’s just been very fun and very free I’d say, very exciting every moment; every down there’s always opportunities,” Senior Wide Receiver King Phillips said.
Turner has been a Javelina for a short time compared to some of his teammates who have been around for several seasons. Most may not know Turner personally, but just like his peers, Turner is a student who is committed to excellence.
“What Javelina Nation needs to know about Jack Turner is there is not a more perfect student athlete that we want to represent our program. Jack is very rare – to have someone with his talent and character is something that does not happen every year. Jack deserves our support, and our support will only increase his confidence and help lead to more positive outcomes for our team. The Javelina logo means a lot to Jack even though this is his first season. We have a great opportunity to have a special season,” Coach Parr said.
Turner was predicted by Flo College, a streaming platform for college sports, to be nominated for the Harlon Hill award, a trophy awarded to the best player in all of Division II college football. These predictions are honoring to the humble veteran, but not as important as what he may accomplish with his team.
“I think it’s certainly an honor. I mean anytime you’re recognized for a goal or an achievement like that, it’s certainly something that I appreciate but try not to put too much weight on. As I alluded to earlier it’s more about those team goals – it is what the team is able to accomplish because I can only go so far myself, but it’s the guys that are around me that are really going to be able to lift me up, and allow myself and the team to accomplish big things,” Turner said.
