Turner talks visits

Michael Turner, defensive tackle from Auburn (Ala.) High School received his first offer from Jacksonville State after attending the school's Junior Day. Along with Jacksonville State, Turner noted positive visits at LSU, Memphis and Auburn.

"I got to know coach Haley at LSU; he seems really cool," Turner said. I know it's far away, but I like how LSU football is all about education. It's nice because they don't just look at football. They have high graduation rates."

Turner saw the same concentration on education when he visited Memphis for a practice.

"Junior Day at Memphis was the same day as the Rivals football camp, so I went up there to watch a practice instead," he said. "It's wonderful; it's all about education. That's a big factor for me. If I get hurt, I want to make sure I have a good degree. That's a big part of my decision."

Turner also went to Junior Day at Auburn, and he plans on returning for the spring game.

"Auburn was really nice, with great people who treated me like I was part of the family," he said.

The prospect said he is hearing from Middle Tennessee, Southern Mississippi, Alabama State, Western Kentucky, Arkansas State and Troy.

Turner wants to work on the fundamentals of his game this spring and summer, including being consistent in every play. He improved his game after attending the invite-only Rivals football camp presented by Under Armour in Hoover (Ala.) earlier this month.

"I learned new moves and new techniques from my position coach," Turner said. "He enforced low hands and high hands, and different techniques of how to compete. I really enjoyed myself."

Turner is looking to fit in with coaches who are not so cookie-cutter in their approach when choosing a school.

"I may not have a lot of height, but I'm looking for a school that is looking at the overall player and the overall me," he said. "For example, LSU said I was an excellent football player. I'm 5-foot-11, so I may not meet certain qualifications, but I can play just like someone who is 6-foot-4. I'm looking for a school that sees that."