Freshman 15: No. 3 – Casey Turner

— Sam Hellman

The “Freshman 15” is a series on TargumBlog where we count down the top 15 freshmen from this class with an article or video each day from the guys. The freshmen’s rankings are based primarily on their chances of seeing the field immediately and what type of impact they can make as true freshmen.

Background info:

Casey Turner was probably the closest of everyone to not signing with the Scarlet Knights. The running back initially verballed with the Rutgers, but changed his mind prior to National Signing Day and committed to North Carolina. Going into National; Signing Day, Turner’s status was up in the air, but he signed with Rutgers as one of the biggest last-second steals under coach Greg Schiano.

“It feels good to be here,” Turner said. “I feel great about my choice of Rutgers. They’re very family oriented so even when I feel lonely, I can talk to somebody on the team and feel better. It’s ideal.”

Adjusting to college:

Turner is one of three running backs in the recruiting class but was the most highly touted. Coming from Jacksonville, Fla., Turner was the 53rd overall running back in the nation and carried offers from schools like Arkansas and North Carolina.

Turner, now out of practice with an unknown injury, said getting used to the level of the practices was tough for him.

“There’re intense,” Turner said. “I can’t lie. They’re really demanding and intense, but I think I can get through them.”

To get used to the tempo, Turner credits fifth year senior running back Kordell Young with helping him out.

“Kordell is my mentor,” Turner said. “He always tells me how to do things the right way.”

Casey Turner

Outlook for this season:

Before Turner’s phantom injury that kept him out of practice the last days, his outlook for the season was very favorable. Jordan Thomas is in a walking boot. De’Antwan Williams has not improved since last season and Jawan Jamison is behind the other freshman running backs according to Schiano.

Turner was poised to get some playing time alongside the veteran running backs, but with his injury now, it’s hard to say.

Schiano is not even sure what’s wrong with him yet so it’s impossible to tell what his true freshman year will be like.

Turner did say back on media day, however, that playing as a true freshman was one of his goals.

“My biggest goal is to get better obviously, but I wanted to get playing time as a freshman and build from there,” Turner said. “Coach knows best though. If I have to [redshirt], I won’t complain.”

Freshman 15:

15 – Jawaun Wynn

14 – Sam Bergen

13 – Chris Fonti

12 – Jordan Thomas

11 – Marcus Thompson

10 – Lorenzo Waters

9 – Gareef Glashen

8 – Jawan Jamison

7 – Rashad Knight

6 – Brandon Coleman

5 – Betim Bujari