- November 18, 2024
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Every team has the guy or girl who does a lot but never gets recognized for his or her many talents. According to Matanzas head coach Robert Ripley, Hunter turner has fulfilled that role for the Pirates.
“He’s our unsung hero,” Ripley said. “He’s the guy who shows up every day, busts his butt in the weight room. He doesn’t say much, but everybody likes him here.”
The 165-pound junior has a wide receiver’s stature, but his toughness has led Ripley to start Turner at inside linebacker, one of the most physical positions in football. Not only is he a linebacker, but Turner often plays tight end and fullback, physical positions on the offensive side of the ball.
“I do those things for the team,” Turner said. “I will always be selfless and put the team first. I just want to win.” Turner’s most memorable win in his life came against Menendez in the preseason, when the Pirates beat Falcons for the first time in the school’s history.
Turner grew up playing in the Police Athletic League. There, he learned all the positions on the field, and he also learned how to be tough. On any given play, he can be seen blocking numerous defenders on defense or shoveling blockers to get to the ball on offense. Turner’s one of the few players who has blocked for the running back at the fullback position or tight end, where he’s also caught passes, and he’s made tackles on defense.
“We’re glad to have a player like Turner,” Ripley said. “These kinds of players never get the recognition they deserve because they don’t play any of the sexy positions, but they’re the most important players on the field.”
Ripley ended his praise for the Hunter, saying, “If we get more players like Hunter Turner, we’re going to be a really good football team.”
