DJ Turner Interview / WR / Pittsburgh
Ed Hunt: What are your measurements (height, weight and forty time)?
DJ Turner: I’m about 5’9 1/2, 205 and I run a 4.42.
Ed Hunt: What were your main takeaways from the college All-Star Gridiron showcase.
DJ Turner: I definitely enjoyed the whole interview process. So much opportunity with pro days. It was an opportunity to get to know us outside the film.
Ed Hunt: Do you get an opportunity to interact with the Steelers sharing a training facility?
DJ Turner: We would see them every day. I saw Coach Tomlin a lot. I played with his son at Maryland as well. Just being able to see those guys and see what they go through on a daily basis, so that’s another benefit of going to Pitt.
Ed Hunt: What can you add on special teams?
DJ Turner: I can add a lot on special teams. I’m a very explosive punt returner and kick returner. I like to make plays on different plays of the game. I played a lot of gunner.
Ed Hunt: Where are you currently training for the draft?
DJ Turner: At TEST Sports Club in New Jersey.
Ed Hunt: Besides football, what other sports did you play in high school?
DJ Turner: Just track. I started early with basketball, but I focused on football later.
Ed Hunt: What positions did you play in high school?
DJ Turner: Receiver, safety, corner, kick returner and punt returner.
Ed Hunt: Coming out of high school, what programs showed interest in you?
DJ Turner: I received interest from every school in the Big 10. I was pretty much locked in to Maryland. I just wanted to stay home and play at Maryland.
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Ed Hunt: How would you sum up your career at Maryland?
DJ Turner: It was decent. It was definitely some adversity whether it was self-inflicted. Had some success on the field as well. I feel like that happened a little better at Pitt.
Ed Hunt: What are your strengths?
DJ Turner: I would say my versatility. I could bring a lot of different tools to an offense. I’m a very explosive runner with the ball in my hands. I’m a good route runner as well. Being on the same page with my quarterback, that’s my biggest priority.
Ed Hunt: What areas of your game are you trying to improve upon?
DJ Turner: Strengthen everything that I can. If I have to make that switch, there is always something else I can learn. When I get to a football team it will be good to just learn my role.
Ed Hunt: What is the highlight of your career up to this point?
DJ Turner: I would say winning the Conference Championship my junior year. It gave me an opportunity to play at the next level and get my degree. Definitely grateful to be here now.
Ed Hunt: What is your favorite NFL team?
DJ Turner: The Washington Football Team.
Ed Hunt: Is there an NFL wide receiver that you like to watch film on?
DJ Turner: There’s a couple of different guys. Cole Beasley, Stefon Diggs, Tyreek Hill and Davante Adams.
Ed Hunt: What underclassmen on your team should we keep an eye out for next season?
DJ Turner: Definitely Kenny Pickett, Jordan Addison and Taysir Mack.
Ed Hunt: Which corner was your toughest matchup throughout your career?
DJ Turner:The best corner throughout my career was Jourdan Lewis while I played Michigan. There was also a sophomore corner from Miami who was pretty good.
Ed Hunt: What is the most important trait for a wide receiver?
DJ Turner: I would say patience and hands. I feel when the game speeds up, you have to be patient to get open and don’t want to speed through routes.
Ed Hunt: What do you enjoy most about football?
DJ Turner: The camaraderie with the team. Every position has to be successful. In the real world, there are certain aspects that you need to learn to get your job done. It’s a sport I’ve loved since I was young, love to learn, and love to play.
Ed Hunt: How has this journey of perseverance made you stronger?
DJ Turner: It definitely taught me a lot about myself. There’s definitely been a lot of adversity or have an optimistic view of it. Learn from it whether is an injury or something out of my control. To make it as a far as I have, I’ve learned a lot. I’m a lot more mature now because of the adversity I’ve been through.
Ed Hunt: What are your hobbies?
DJ Turner: I have a four-month year old son. A lot of my time goes to him. If I have free time, I would play video games and maybe find a good Netflix show. He takes a lot of my time, but he is still a blessing.
Ed Hunt: What do you want to do with your life after your football career is over?
DJ Turner: I want to take advantage of the opportunities of the NFL to be an entrepreneur and I want to get involved in the players’ association. I want help the next group of guys because hopefully there is a guy ahead of me that is planning for me.
Ed Hunt: What makes you unique?
DJ Turner: I feel like just my matureness and I’m a loving, caring person. I try to rub off on as many people as possible. I come to the facility and I try to be the best person whether it is the training staff or whomever. That’s pretty much the biggest thing for me.
Ed Hunt: What five words best describe you?
DJ Turner: Loving, competitive, mature, athletic and fun.
