2021 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Anthony Turner, WR, Grand View University
- Name: Anthony Turner
- Height: 6’4”
- Weight: 220 lbs
- Position: WR
- College: Grand View University
- Twitter: @AntT80
- Instagram: @AJT.8
Talk about your experience as a student. What is your major/minor? Did you participate in any other activities or campus organizations other than football?
I began my college career at Iowa Western. I was there for 2 years and had originally committed to South Dakota. That didn’t work out and I found myself at Grand View after a year. I am scheduled to receive my degree in Liberal arts in the Spring of 2021. I haven’t really done much else besides football. I have played some intramural basketball.
What do your teammates say is your best quality?
My size. I have good strength and speed. I’m faster than most big guys. The talent has always been there ever since I was little.
What kind of role do you see yourself in on the team? What scheme and/or position suits your skill set?
I try and lead by example. I mainly play outside but I will sometimes play inside, or even as a tight end type receiver in the slot. We run a lot of spread offense and I can work the screen game as well as be an endzone threat.
Who is the best player you have ever played against in college?
During my time in JUCO, I played against Hakeem Bailey who eventually went on to play at West Virginia and was signed to the Chiefs during the offseason. Bailey and I had our battles. What stood out was his level of competitiveness.
Which one of your teammates impresses you the most?
Dallis Flowers. He is just a major athlete out at corner. He talks his talk and walks his walk. His entire skill set impresses me. He and I were both able to be All Americans in 2019.
Describe a time in your life when you were able to overcome a struggle.
Coming home from JUCO was a struggle. I had to stay home for a year. I committed to South Dakota, but couldn’t go because I was ineligible. It was definitely a trying time. I was working some jobs and trying to figure things out. I had to stay patient. During that time, I got closer to God and had to keep the faith. I had never known about the school. The coaches at Grand View called me first, then my old teammate from JUCO who was playing there let me know more about the university, and then the rest was history.
If you didn’t play football, what other sport would you play?
Basketball. I played all 4 years in high school. I played all over, power forward, shooting guard and center. I had been named All-Region.
What is something that you are most proud of? What would you say is your biggest achievement?
I think I’m most proud of overcoming that year of struggle, especially since my first year playing at Grand View I had 1110 yards and 15 TDs and was named 2nd Team All-American. I feel like I have a good shot of being named All-American this year too because I was able to haul in 10 TDs in 6 games.
Describe one of the most memorable plays of your collegiate career.
My first game at Grand View was special. I had scored my first TD in the 2nd quarter against MidAmerica Nazarene. It looked like my quarterback Ben Ferkin was just trying to throw the ball away because he had sailed it high. I jumped up and snagged it bringing it down for a touchdown.
Do you have a favorite athlete or professional team? Is there a player that you model your game after?
My favorite athlete is Lebron James. I look up to receivers like Megatron and Julio Jones. We have similar body types and just bring the whole package.
Who is your favorite music artist? What gets you pumped before a game?
There is a local artist in Georgia named Jungle Musik Trap. I’ll listen to his song called “Real Life” before games.
What is your favorite comfort food?
Macaroni & Cheese.
What do you do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies? Any secret talents?
I still like to shoot hoops. I also like to play video games like 2K, Madden, War Zone and Call of Duty. I’m a country boy that also likes to fish. One of my secret talents is that I can sing.
Who or what motivates you the most?
My Mom and Grandmother really motivate me. Other than that, seeing where I grew up and trying to make it out of the hood are what drive me to do my best.