Blocked Kicks Record in Sight for Turner
5 comments so far
July 12, 2007 by
A lot will be expected of Barry Turner in 2007 (and barring an early departure for the NFL, 2008 as well). Turner is Nebraska’s top returning defensive end. As such, he’s sure to see a lot of heavy duty in the trenches. But with three blocked kicks in two seasons, Turner may have a chance to tie or break Barron Miles record of 7 career blocked kicks.
It’s easy to believe that the Husker coaches may not want Turner on special teams. They may need him to stay fresh on defense. They also may want to get some younger players on the field. Still, when a player shows a knack for getting his hands on kicks, there’s a strong temptation to make sure he gets his chances to swat them away.
Even if Turner took every snap against opposing kickers, he may never get another one. Zach Potter blocked two kicks in 2005 but didn’t get any in 2006. A lot has to go right, kind of like an inside-the-park homerun in baseball. Of course, that also means just about anyone could get hot. Maybe Potter could catch fire and block four this year and one or two more as a senior. Stranger things have been known to happen.
But of all the returning players, Turner is the one with the best chance to catch Miles record. The question will be does he (and do the coaches) want to go after it?
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Scott Jul 12 07
Record or not, if Turner can block one more kick as significant as the one against the Aggies I'd be more than satisfied.
Turner has a chance to be something special this year and I hope things turn out for him. I hope his sparkling special teams play from last year carries over to the defensive side of the ball for 2007.
Gregory Morrow Jul 12 07
Interesting post, Steve!
At least as a defender, the ball goes to the offense after the attempt. Still though, for stuff like that, I'm sure it's nice to weigh about 170, with a 48" vertical!
With guys like Barry and most of our starters, you want them to just play their positions. We may though, have the type of depth now, that a player we may not be familiar with, (especially with closed practices) may be very familiar to the coaches and have that knack, at special teams.
Seems like so long ago, when a guy I had forgotten about after recruiting, would "jump out" with big plays.
Maybe, it's that time again!
Ze Robertinho Jul 13 07
I expect Barry Turner to have a breakout year at DE, kick blocker, and occassional TE :). The guy's a great athlete and with a little more weight--5-10 lbs--he's going to be even better! We stole him from Fulmer and TN in the recruiting wars and have gotten our 'money's worth' so far. It will only get better. He kind of reminds me of Willie Harper from back in the day(Wednesday--the 'day').
I also expect quantum leaps from other sophs going jr this year as that is usually what happens between those years.
Gregory Morrow Jul 15 07
ZeBop
When I was in third grade at Clinton Elementary in Lincoln, (maybe, around spring '73) Willie Harper spent, like a week with our class. I still remember historical lessons he taught us, about slavery. Looking back, it was quite a privilege! I think he was at the teachers college, that may have been his major (it was, I just checked- elementary education).
Just a wonderful thing, being a Cornhusker fan!
ze robertinho Jul 16 07
mr. flim, uh, gregory,
hazzup?!
Wow, that would've been totally cool, I loved Willie Harper; I think he played on the 49ers too.
I'm pretty sure I met Johnny the Jet once, and got his autograph. That's long gone. My dad used to take me to that kind if stuff all around Omaha.
Probably won't be much of a flim/ze show over here--ya think?!