Illini’s Donovan Turner finds place amongst the “FamILLy”

Former junior college cornerback Donovan Turner committed to Illinois back in May and has been participating in summer workouts in Champaign for about a month. Turner is a 6’1” cornerback from Long Beach, California, who spent his first season at UMass before transferring to Long Beach City College.

The transition from JUCO ball at Long Beach City College to Division I football at Illinois has been smooth for Turner thus far.

I spoke with Turner, and he shared more insight into his adjustment. He stated, “Everyone has been nothing but amazing. The coaches preach the motto ‘Nobody left behind’ and embrace the FamILLy motto. Everyone is taken care of here and if I need something I can give the coaches or a teammate a call. Coach B, coach Parker and coach Henry have been great.”

Outside of football?

When he’s not at the practice facility preparing for the upcoming season or studying for summer classes at the Irwin Academic Center, Donovan Turner spends his downtime cooking, painting, or working on his new fashion brand. These creative outlets help him stay balanced and focused, but his mind remains locked in on one goal: earning the starting cornerback job.

With camp set to begin in August, Turner has been intentional about sharpening specific areas of his game. “I’ve been working on my press man placement and grip strength this summer,” he said. “Cornerbacks get a bad reputation for being soft. I want to do the dirty work and be very physical.”

Turner will continue to take reps at cornerback as he looks to secure the starting spot for the season opener against Western Illinois. Defensive coordinator Aaron Henry is counting on the redshirt junior to bring leadership and tenacity to the defensive unit.

Donovan Turner spoke very highly of the resources Illinois has provided him this summer. Undoubtedly, he cannot wait to start making plays for the orange and blue.

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