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Draft Buzz Interview: Catching up with PITT WR DJ Turner

Pitt WR D.J. Turner is one of the most explosive players in college football. He has been a huge addition to the Panthers offense. He recently sat down with Jon-Michael Salter of NFL Draft Diamonds.

The draft buzz on Pittsburgh wide receiver D.J. Turner has been a blessing for the Panthers. He is a versatile guy, that can play both inside and out and is a very sound return man. He has averaged a bit more than 14 yards per reception on 44 catches, including 634 yards and 3 touchdowns. Turner is such a threat to opposing defenses. I had the opportunity to sit down with the rising star and pick his brain. I asked him about his presence in the locker room, What he can bring to an NFL team, and what it is like playing in the ACC?

“As far as my presence in the locker room? I would say I am the same guy at home as well. I am pretty relaxed. I am never really doing anything crazy. I am a team player and my team can rely on me at any time. I think in the NFL, I am going to be the same guy. I have been the same way my whole life. I take this game seriously, and I want to do it for a living. I know what it takes to be successful. I haven’t had the career I was hoping for in college, and while I know I am flying under the radar, I think I can shine at the next level. I know I will be a solid addition to any team, on the field as well as the locker room.”

Before I sat down with Turner, I reached out to a scouting source. To discuss the recent draft buzz, and his take on Turner?

“I think what sticks out is his toughness. He can be used all over the place, and he can help on special teams. He is fast, has good hands, and quick feet. When you watch his film, the toughness and grit jump out. Turner is a little guy but does not shy away from blocking or being hit. He is likely a slot guy at the next level, and when he is on the field, he will find a way to produce. He will put his nose on a defender. He can catch everything. He will blast somebody, and I love that about him. I like his film because Turner has been fun to study. I think as we get closer to the draft you will hear his name more and more. He will land somewhere. I am not sure he will be drafted, but he will land somewhere and play giant-sized sized chip on his shoulder.”

Moving forward Turner, spoke about playing in the ACC? As well as the pressures of playing big-time football?

“I don’t personally feel any pressure. I feel like if you prepare you will be just fine. Everyone has a job to do, and if you do your job you will excel. You cannot focus on all that outside noise. The ACC has been a ton of fun. The level of competition is great and there are some good defensive units. While the ACC is tough, I feel I play against the best defense unit in college every day, at Pitt. We are stacked with talent. So when you go up against them every day, you aren’t nervous seeing anybody else. Playing in the ACC is the same as playing anywhere else really. I mean it is all football. If you don’t make it too big and stay within yourself, it won’t get to you. You have to just be yourself, and do your job.”

The draft buzz on Pitt wideout D.J. Turner is rising. He is a versatile prospect that can help a team out on offense, as well as, on special teams. He is a gritty player that has an edge to his play style. When you put on the film, he pops. Adding a player like Turner to any roster would be a huge win.

Damond Talbot

NFL Draft Diamonds was created to assist the underdogs playing the sport. We call them diamonds in the rough. My name is Damond Talbot, I have worked extremely hard to help hundreds of small school players over the past several years, and will continue my mission. We have several contributors on this site, and if they contribute their name and contact will be in the piece above. You can email me at nfldraftdiamonds@gmail.com

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