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If having a favorite football freshman is like having a favorite child, I might be in some trouble. Because y'all, I am too hyped for KaVontae Turpin. I mean, take two minutes and watch. I will wait:
RIGHT?! I have no idea where he will play - the slot, running back, h-back, or as some yet unamed weapon created by the Cumbie/Meach sorcery, but I don't see any way he doesn't get on the field as a true freshman. And I'm not the only one:
"[Turpin] is fast, shifty, can catch the ball well, and he’s smart," Patterson said
He's not big, at only 5'9", but he has shown the ability to beat a double team and go up and get the ball - a requirement for Frog receivers in this version of the Air Raid. He is also fast - 4.44 speed - and has incredible footwork. If you watched the highlights, that jet sweep he runs near the end shows his ability to find the hole, hit the hole, and get past the first level with ease. He could be the heir apparent to senior Deante' Gray - someone who can be moved all over the field and do a lot of different things well. I would imagine he could eventually be a candidate for punt/kick return duty - something he did in high school - depending on the depth of those positions once CEL graduates this spring.
Part of the Monroe, LA pipeline that produced current Frogs Terrell Lathan and James McFarland as well as recent graduate Chuck Hunter, Turpin was a three star recruit and the #12 overall prospect in Louisiana. An all state awardee, KT totaled nearly 2,000 all-purpose yards and 29 touchdowns in his career, including 16 scores his senior year, as he led Neville High to a state title. I cannot wait to see this kid in action when the season begins.
Turpin isn't the only 25 on the roster though, and his defensive counterpart is worthy of recognition as well. The recipient of the Y.Q. McCammon Outstanding Squadman Award in 2014, Michael Downing made his debut against Texas Tech last season after redshirting his first year on campus. Out of Alpharetta, GA, the 5'11 safety has an uphill battle when it comes to unseating some of the safeties above him, but having on-field experience certainly helps him. And with the loss of George Baltimore to injury, opportunities are there for the redshirt sophomore.
25 days! Can't wait! Go Frogs!