Clemson coach Dabo Swinney has a long history with the Turner Family of Vestavia Hills, AL. The father, the late Kevin Turner, was a teammate of Swinney’s at Alabama. The oldest son, Nolan, just finished his career with the Tigers as a standout safety. And now Swinney is eying the next Turner in line, WR Cole Turner (6-2 180). Swinney offered Turner Friday as he seeks to add another receiver to the 2022 class.
“I have been talking to Coach Swinney a little bit for a few weeks, and every now and then and he has been telling me that he wanted me and was very interested in me,” Turner said. “He told he was really interested in me and to be patient and to see how it plays out. (Wide receivers) Coach (Tyler) Grisham gave me the call and told me I had the offer, and I was extremely excited.”
Turner is not an on-the-major-prospect-radar prospect. His only other offer is from Buffalo. But he’s athletic and fast, reportedly 4.42 in the forty. Grisham paid a visit to Turner at his school last month and the two have been in regular contact since then.
“We are definitely starting to build our relationship and I am getting to know him and him me,” Turner said. “He is a great guy and he’s awesome. He kind of told me he sees me playing anywhere on the field. Playing at multiple different places. He can move me around a little bit. I am more of a speed receiver and a deep threat. I can do anything and be whatever they need to be.”
And of course, Turner does not need an introduction to the Clemson program. He’s seen it up close and personal over the last few years.
“It’s a great place and its definitely where I could see myself going,” Turner said. “It’s a place I would love to go and I definitely have a decision to make. The big thing for me is that it is a place that feels like home and Clemson has that feel to it.”
During the 2021 season, Turner had 42 catches for 581 yards and seven receiving touchdowns. He also recorded a punt return for a touchdown, a kickoff return for a touchdown, and had two passing touchdowns (on double passes).
Turner plans to notify the coaches about his plans a few days before National Signing Day February 2nd, but he won’t reveal his plans publicly until he signs on that Wednesday.
