Turner blossoming into a great player
KARNS CITY — You would think coaching a player like Cameron Turner would be a dream.
During the pre-season, it's proving to be a nightmare for Karns City coach Ed Conto.
"We can't block him in practice," said Conto. "We can't handle him. The rest of the (Keystone Shortway Athletic Conference)better watch out."
Turner, a 6-foot-2, 235-pound senior defensive end and tight end, is one of the top players in the KSAC and will keep plenty of opponents on their heels this season.
"He's got good size, strength and natural speed," said Conto. "When he goes to college and he strength trains, he'll fill out. Right now, he plays football, basketball and baseball.
"He has an athlete's intellect. He doesn't do dumb things,"Conto added.
As a sophomore, Turner was second-team all-KSAC and a first-team Butler Eagle Sweet 16 selection as a defensive end, then followed up with first-team selections in both as a linebacker.
His 16 catches and 368 yards as a tight end led the Gremlins in both categories. He also scored two touchdowns on offense, plus he added an interception return for a touchdown and a safety on defense. As a sophomore he caught 10 passes for 143 yards and one touchdown.
"I want to be able to use my hands more," said Turner. "I want to get past the blocks and get to the quarterback, and, on offense, I want to run my routes and throw some blocks.
"Last year, I'd hit a person with my shoulders. This year, I want to use the hands more and swat them away and get to the ball."
It's all part of the learning process, one Conto is fully aware of, especially while watching Turner.
"As a sophomore you make plays and mental mistakes," said Conto. "Then, in your junior year, you know more and develop. When you're a senior, you've arrived and you start to set yourself apart.
"I think some Division I-AA schools would be after him. With his size, he's a tweener. What is he, a linebacker or defensive end? What I like now is last year, some guys could block him once in a while, but now he brings it on every play,"Conto added.
It's that versatility that will make Turner a good leader on both sides of the ball.
"I think I have the leadership and the knowledge of the offense and the defense, mainly on defense,"said Turner. "If someone has a question, I call the position on both sides.
"They've had me at the line position before and at running back, so anyone can ask me a question," he added.
Turner has attended a few football camps, including Mid-American Conference schools such as Miami of Ohio, Kent State and Ohio University, as well as Youngstown State University, with the hopes of attending one of those schools.
He also counts Marshall University in West Virginia and James Madison University in Harrisonville, Va.
But, first things first.
After an undefeated KSAC schedule and a trip to the District 9 Class AA championship game last season, which ended when the Gremlins (10-2) fell to Brookville 21-3, Turner and the squad's four other seniors are hoping to pave the way for one final hurrah.
"Our main goal is to win the KSAC and go undefeated this year, which we almost did last year (the team lost to nondistrict foe Forest Hills in the final regular-season game).
"We want to get past that first round in the state playoffs. It seems like no one in the area has done that."
