2021 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Devante Turner, RB/KR, Central Missouri
- Name: Devante Turner
- Height: 5’9”
- Weight: 190 lbs
- Position: RB/KR
- College: University of Central Missouri
- Twitter: @rising_star5
- Instagram: @rising_star5
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?
College has been everything I’d thought it would be from academics to hanging out. I major in Civil Engineering Technology. Outside of football, I am not very active. I just stay in the books.
What do your teammates say is your best quality?
They’d say I’m dependable, and you can always count on me. I pride myself on that. I show up and put it all on the line for my guys.
What kind of role do you see yourself in on the team? What scheme and/or position suits your skill set?
I see myself as a leader on the team. I’ve been a team captain the last two seasons.
Zone run scheme suits my skill set as a runner very well. Catching the ball out the backfield too.
Who is the best player you have ever played against in college?
Nathan Shepherd and it’s not even close. We played against him at Hayes my red shirt freshman year, and he had to have graded out 99% because he didn’t give up anything. I literally felt his presence every play.
Which one of your teammates impresses you the most?
Safety Codie Bell he’s a dog man. He’s the type of guy that knows everyone’s assignment on the field and he plays every snap. I feel safe when he’s on the field.
TE Zach Davidson is another person that impresses me. He’s an All-American for a reason. The growth and development from where he was to now is incredible. True grinder.
Describe a time in your life when you were able to overcome a struggle.
Being an under-recruited player coming from a small high school was very discouraging and also a struggle. At one point I thought I wasn’t going to play college football. A few coaches showed interest but no one gave me a chance. Then two weeks before signing day UCM gave me a call. From there, I have given UCM my all. I feel like I made the best of the cards I was dealt.
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If you didn’t play football, what other sport would you play?
I’d probably say track. Coming up I ran track in middle school and high school. If I was to have not played football, I’m sure I would have taken track more seriously.
What is something that you are most proud of? What would you say is your biggest achievement?
Bringing a conference championship back to UCM is something I’m super proud of. The recruiting class I came in with completely bought in and focused on changing the culture. My biggest achievement thus far is graduating college.
Describe one of the most memorable plays of your collegiate career.
I remember it like yesterday. Last season, Coach told me to just fair catch the punt during the timeout if I didn’t think it was returnable. The punter put just enough spin on it and the rest was history. That punt return for a touchdown is probably the most memorable play and also my favorite play of my collegiate career. My mom was at the game too so that makes it even more memorable.
Do you have a favorite athlete or professional team? Is there a player that you model your game after?
My favorite athlete of all time is Muhammad Ali. Just the way he carried himself, trained and he stood for something. He’s the goat man. He laid the foundation for a lot of the athletes today.
I don’t really model my game after anyone. I play the game the way I love to play it.
Who is your favorite music artist? What gets you pumped before a game?
I’m a rap connoisseur. So lately I’ve been listening to a lot of Lil Durk, Rod Wave, and Money Man. MoneyBagg Yo gets me geeked before the game. He brings that energy, and plus he is from Memphis so I feel every bar.
What is your favorite comfort food?
Rotel and hot wings.
Do you have a favorite movie or actor?
My favorite movie is Life. By far one of the most hilarious movies ever. Martin Lawrence and Eddie Murphy did their thing. It’s non-stop laughter when I watch it.
What do you do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies? Any secret talents?
I play a lot of 2k and madden in my spare time. I am a sneaker head so I also watch a lot of sneaker vlogs too.
Who or what motivates you the most?
I have two younger siblings,Kendra and Kj. When I think of them I go harder. They’re my heart.
Content Creator & Senior Writer for NFL Draft Diamonds. Independent Scouting Consultant.