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2022 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Kobie Turner, DL, University of Richmond

Kobie Turner the speed pass-rusher from the University of Richmond recently sat down with NFL Draft Diamonds writer Justin Berendzen.
Kobie Turner the speed pass-rusher from the University of Richmond recently sat down with NFL Draft Diamonds writer Justin Berendzen.
  • Name: Kobie Turner
  • Position: DL
  • College: University of Richmond 
  • Height: 6′ 2 1/2″
  • Weight: 290 lbs
  • Twitter: @TurnerKobie
  • Instagram: @kobieturner

1.What made you decide you wanted to be a football player?

Ever since I was a kid I wanted to be a football player. I don’t know the moment when it first became my dream, but my dad says when I was a toddler I was tackling vacuum cleaners around the house. This has been my passion for as long as I can remember.

2.What should people know about Kobie Turner the person?

I have many passions, I love football, singing and playing the guitar/piano, hanging with friends, playing video games, etc. However, that doesn’t mean that I don’t put my all into what I do. Just because you saw me playing piano in the chapel for 2-3 hours doesn’t mean I didn’t just get done spending 3-4 hours getting extra technique work, stretching, and watching film.

3.If you could hang out with any football player past or present for a day who and why?

Definitely Aaron Donald. He has been such a game changer at the defensive  tackle position, and will certainly go down as one of the greatest (if not the greatest) defensive players of all time. Also, he personally helped me gain a lot of confidence, being more of a undersized defensive tackle, he is a constant reminder that ballers will ball when they get that opportunity, and I think that of myself as well.

4.What are your favorite things about playing football for Richmond?

Definitely my teammates and coaches who push me to be the best I can be. Whenever I go in to the Robins Center to get extra work or extra film, there’s always someone there, or someone on their way. No matter what, there’s always a teammate and/or a coach pushing me to get to the next level.

5.What is your favorite workout?

I really enjoy squat days. As a freshman I couldn’t squat as much, but I made a huge jump during my sophomore year. All of the top guys compete every squat day to see who can do the most weight and make it look the smoothest, and that atmosphere of both competition and encouragement on squat day definitely brings out the best in me.

6.What sets you apart from other defensive linemen?

My mental game. I study offenses thoroughly so that when it comes to game time I can anticipate and call out their plays. I take pride in that. I also take pride in knowing my defensive scheme. I help set the fronts, and alert where the blitzes are coming from so that I can make sure my defensive line is on the same page with the linebackers. I make sure to come into every game as prepared as I can possibly be, and I make sure that I am ready to dissect any in-game keys the offense gives me.   

The other thing that sets me apart is my relentless effort. Giving 100% every play has always been the foundation of my football identity. My motor is always set to 100, and that was a major part of what earned me a scholarship my first year, what’s made me the player I am today, and what will continue to set me apart from other defensive lineman.

7.What are your favorite moments from your football life?

One of my favorite moments in my football life is when I was able to play pop warner with my brother who is two years older than me. Those years molded my football foundations as someone who is going to play hard no matter what, regardless of who’s bigger or stronger.

Another one of my favorite football moment was the Albany game 2019. On the defensive line, we put on a clinic of sorts, and also that was when my nickname “The Conductor” was born. There were multiple favorite moments within the game itself, I had a goal line stop on a quarterback sneak, other big effort plays, and some very fun celebration moments. Maurice Jackson and I were competing to see who could make the most big time plays, he ended up getting national player of the week while I ended up getting player of the game for our team. I also love playing JMU every year. It always makes for electric plays and an exciting atmosphere.

8.What type of energy do you bring onto the football field?

I bring a contagious, collected, and encouraging energy. I’m not all over the place before a game, I like to keep my composure and visualize what I’m about to do (calm before the storm, if you will). But when I make the big plays, you’ll definitely see me celebrating. You’ll also see me attempting to do my teammate’s celebrations with them when they make big plays. It was super fun to see the defensive line making plays this year and to do whoever’s “signature” celebration with them.

9.What does it mean to you to be a captain of Richmond football?

It means a lot. I have a great group of men around me pushing this team to be the best, and I am so grateful that they chose me to lead this team. Coming in as a walk on, I didn’t know quite what to expect, all I knew is I was going to give 100% effort every day, and do things the right way. The fact that I can now lead this team with this mindset is such a blessing, and it reminds me to trust in the process, no matter where I start.

10.What would a team get in a player like you?

They would get a leader, a hard-worker, and a hungry player. I know what it is like to work my way up from the bottom, and my effort throughout it all won’t be questioned. They will get a student of the game, someone who will take the extra time to break down film, know the defense, and study the offense in order to give himself the best opportunity to succeed.

11.What are you looking forward to in your upcoming season?

I’m looking forward to having the blessing of leading this team throughout another season, a season that builds off of what we did in the spring and takes it to the next level. I’m excited to achieve personal goals that I have and to challenge others to do the same. I’m looking forward to (hopefully) playing in front of a lot of fans again, and to having fun on the field with my brothers. But most of all, I am looking forward to pursuing a CAA Championship, playoff berth, and a National Championship.

12.How do you prepare for games?

My preparation for a game starts (at least) the Sunday before the game. I’ll normally watch 30 minutes to 1 hour of film on our next opponent just to see what their offense looks like. Then, Monday-Friday I’ll watch 2-3 hours of film a week to break down play tendencies out of certain formations, any player tendencies, personnel, and just get a feel for how the offense wants to play their game. By the time it gets to Saturday I watch a little more, but I can just relax, because I am prepared to go out and dominate that next day. 

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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