Then-West Liberty University wide receiver Ben Turner catches a pass during a football game last season. Turner is excelling in spring practice at Marshall University.
Sydney Turner, left, and her brother Ben Turner pose after a West Liberty football game last season. Both have signed to play at Marshall University.
Submitted photo
Then-West Liberty University wide receiver Ben Turner catches a pass during a football game last season. Turner is excelling in spring practice at Marshall University.
HUNTINGTON ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥” Wearing Marshall University football jersey No. 10 is an honor and a curse.
The number worn by 1999 Heisman Trophy finalist and longtime NFL quarterback Chad Pennington, 1987 All-American safety Mark Snyder and Young Thundering Herd quarterback David Walsh from 1971 through 1973 is the privilege. Living up to those playersÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™ lofty accolades is the burden.
So far, Ben Turner is doing more of the former.
Turner, a former Spring Valley High School all-stater, has drawn considerable praise from Thundering Herd head coach Tony Gibson.
ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥œBenÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™s having a great spring,ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥ Gibson said. ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥œBen came in and picked up like heÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™s been here his whole career. HeÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™s a special kid and we have big plans for him. HeÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™s a great football player, a tough kid and wants to be at Marshall. More than anything else, he wants to be here.ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥
Turner transferred from West Liberty University willing to serve in any capacity. He starred at wide receiver for the Hilltoppers but also was the holder for field goals and extra points. He said heÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™d be happy to hold for Herd kickers but hoped for more.
As itÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™s turned out, Turner is the third-team holder but is running with what can loosely be described as the first team at wide out.
ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥œComing in, I wanted to prove myself, that I could compete at this level,ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥ Turner said. ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥œItÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™s a little bit of a switch up from (NCAA) Division II, but the coaches, (offensive coordinator Rod) Smith, (tight ends Gunter) Brewer and (wide receivers coach Chansi) Stuckey have implemented the offense where we can pick it up day by day and learn.ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥
In 31 games at West Liberty, the speedy Turner caught 66 passes for 1,171 yards and eight touchdowns. He averaged 17.3 yards per kickoff return and 5.9 yards per punt runback.
Gibson said Wednesday heÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™s pleased with how the Herd has performed as spring practice nears an end. Turner said communication on and off the field is a key part of the reason for the progress.
ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥œWe have our group chats with Zion (Turner), Carols (Del Rio-Wilson) and JacQai (Long) and any of the quarterbacks, and weÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™ll talk about how we want to run our routes,ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥ Turner said. ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥œMaybe about depth or tempo and weÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™ll get that sealed before our meetings. The coaches do a great job getting us in the right spots to get the ball and make plays. We do the easy part, catch the ball.ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥
Turner said the biggest adjustment to NCAA Division I football is the size of the players and the velocity of the passes.
ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥œThese quarterbacks are really spinning it,ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥ Turner said, with a laugh.
Being a senior, Turner said he tries to help less-experienced players adjust to college football. He added that he knows his place.
ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥œLast year I had to take a more vocal role at my old school,ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥ Turner said. ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥œI kind of carry that over but I have to earn my respect first and make some plays. We have a lot of young guys. Helping them with different coverages, just football knowledge in general, thatÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™s very important.ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥
TurnerÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™s mother, Laura (McLaurin) played softball at Marshall from 1994 through 1996. She also played volleyball. His sister, Sydney, a standout softball player at Spring Valley, has signed with the Herd. He said heÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™s giddy for Sydney.
ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥œSheÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™ll be here next fall and IÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™m excited for that,ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥ Turner said of his sister. ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥œOne of the first Herd brother and sister duos to play sports here. ThatÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™ll be awesome. (MU softball coach Morgan Zerkle) over there, theyÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™re rolling. IÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™m excited for her.ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥
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