Dy’jonn Turner

Defensive Back / UAB

Alex Khvatov:  What are your measurements (height, weight and forty time)?

Dy’jonn Turner:  Height is 5’10 ½ and weight is 202. 

Alex Khvatov:  How did you prepare for the 2020 season with no offseason training?

Dy’jonn Turner:  I was training back home in Florence, Alabama with a couple of guys.  I lifted weights and did field work.    

Alex Khvatov:  Besides football, what other sports did you play in high school?

Dy’jonn Turner:  I played basketball all four years. 

Alex Khvatov:  What positions did you play in high school? 

Dy’jonn Turner:  I played cornerback and safety. 

Alex Khvatov:  Coming out of high school, what programs showed interest in you?

Dy’jonn Turner:  UAB showed a lot of interest.  A lot of C-USA teams like Middle Tennessee. 

Alex Khvatov:  Why did you choose UAB? 

Dy’jonn Turner:  UAB felt like home.  It was a really nice place with the facilities.  Coach Clark had a plan.  I fell in love with it.  UAB was just bringing back its football program.  It was a chance to be a part of something special. 

Alex Khvatov:  Tell us about your overall career.            

Dy’jonn Turner:  The first game in 2017, we had so many people in the stands.  I played special teams my first year.  I was learning the system and learning from the older guys.  We went to the Bahamas Bowl.  Next season, I was a first year starter.  We won the C-USA Championship and the Boca Raton Bowl.  Last year, we went to the New Orleans Bowl, but lost.  We also lost the Conference Championship.  Early in my career, I started off as a corner, progressed to Star, to safety and then Star again.  I love the nickel spot.

Alex Khvatov:  What can we expect from your team this upcoming season? 

Dy’jonn Turner:  To get back to the show.  We want to get back to the championship game and win it this time.  Take it one game at a time and dominate the game in all aspects.  We want to win it all. 

Alex Khvatov:  What are your strengths?

Dy’jonn Turner:  I can cover really well.  I read different routes.  I can tackle in open space. 

Alex Khvatov:  What areas of your game are you trying to improve upon?

Dy’jonn Turner:  I try to get better in every area.  I want to get stronger, faster, get my hips more fluid and my feet faster. 

Alex Khvatov:  What is the highlight of your career up to this point?

Dy’jonn Turner:  Being with the guys.  We have amazing guys on the team.  My teammates make it fun.  Going to practice and to war every single day with these guys is special.    

Alex Khvatov:  What is the biggest lesson that you have taken away from your coaching staff? 

Dy’jonn Turner:  The biggest lesson is that it is not all about football.  UAB preaches academics.  The coaches want you to get your education first and do good in the classroom.  Be successful outside football. 

Alex Khvatov:  Who is your favorite NFL player?

Dy’jonn Turner:  Jamal Adams is something.  He is a good player.  Desmond King and Tyrann Mathieu. 

Alex Khvatov:  What players on your team should we keep an eye on for this upcoming season?

Dy’jonn Turner:  CB Brontae Harris is coming back from an injury.  DE Jordan Smith, LB Kris Moll, S Will Boler and CB TD Marshall. 

Alex Khvatov:  What is it like to go up against your teammate WR Austin Watkins in practice?

Dy’jonn Turner:  He is a competitor.  He brings it every single time.  If you don’t bring it, he will embarrass you.  I didn’t guard in practice last year.  I played inside, and he plays outside. 

Alex Khvatov:  Who is the best player that you have faced on an opposing team?

Dy’jonn Turner:  WR Jauan Jennings from Tennessee. 

Alex Khvatov:  What is the most important trait for a DB?

Dy’jonn Turner:  You got to have a short-term memory to play DB.  Keep playing even if you mess up and don’t give up.

Alex Khvatov:  Safety is a tough position to play.  What is it like being that last line of defense?

Dy’jonn Turner:  You are coming in for the kill shot.  It is like the military.  It is all on you. 

Alex Khvatov:  What do you enjoy most about football?

Dy’jonn Turner:  Football teaches you so many lessons.  Football builds relationships.  It is amazing as a whole. 

Alex Khvatov:  What makes you unique?

Dy’jonn Turner:  I always got a smile on my face.  I am a positive person.  People will tell you that I am always smiling.

Alex Khvatov:  Dy’jonn is an unusual first name.  Who gave you that name?    

Dy’jonn Turner:  My mom.  She came across the name.  My family and my teammates call me Poppie.  It is a nickname my mom gave me. 

Alex Khvatov:  What are your hobbies?

Dy’jonn Turner:  Away from football, I love watching movies.  I like action movies.  My favorite movie is Venom. 

Alex Khvatov:  What do you want to do with your life after your football career is over?

Dy’jonn Turner:  My major is in general studies.  I want to start my own business.  I want to go into a marketing firm first and then start my own. 

Alex Khvatov:  What five words best describe you?

Dy’jonn Turner:  Positive, motivated, competitive, hardworking, and caring.