Arkansas ATH leaning toward UT

Augusta, Ark., isn’t exactly a hot spot for college football recruits, but it’s become a common stopping place for coaches this year because of the play of 5-foot-10, 210-pound athlete/running back James Turner.

The powerful Turner is about to go from a virtual unknown on the recruiting map to a name that could end up playing in the Big 10 or the SEC.

“We finished the season 7-3, and I had a great year,” Turner, who claims a best time of 4.6 in the 40-yard dash but was timed at 4.89 at the famous Arkansas FCA combine this past spring, said. “I finished with 1,505 yards and 17 touchdowns. I’m a power runner that can go between the tackles.”

Turner said most teams are talking to him about being an athlete, but he said he could envision himself even playing fullback in college because of his hard-nosed playing style.

Speaking of college, Turner has lined up three official visits – Iowa on December 19, Arkansas State on January 9 and Tennessee on January 16. Tulsa and Arkansas Pine Bluff are also involved, and he has scholarship offers from Iowa, Tennessee, Arkansas State and Tulsa.

“Iowa offered me most recently, and I have had a Tennessee offer ever since I went to their camp last summer,” Turner said. “Coach Caldwell from Tennessee came by the house last week and met with me and my parents. He told us all about the University. Iowa’s coming back this week some time to talk about my visit next week.”

Turner said he’s leaning toward Tennessee at this point.

“They have a good program, but it’s pretty much the only school I’ve been to,” he said. “I’ve liked them ever since this summer at camp.”