PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Adding 15 pounds to be more explosive this year, running back Ja’Kyrian Turner is motivated heading into his second season. He rushed for 745 yards and seven touchdowns as a true freshman including 201 in an upset win at Georgia Tech, that drives him, but the example is laid by his mother.
Turner is 959 miles from his Wildwood, Florida home, but always has thoughts heading home and the impact mom Tontinika Lewis has had on him.
“It just keeps me going hard every day,” Turner told 93.7 The Fan. “All the time I thank her for all the blessings and opportunities she has given me through adversities and struggles.”
She works two jobs while raising six children, Turner is the oldest as a sophomore in college and spans to the youngest, who is seven.
“She sets an example for all of us, she is a hard-working woman,” Turner said. “She takes care of us by herself. She does everything she needs to do for her family. Everything I need to do for my family, I’m going to do it. Whatever I need to do for the team, I’m going to do it.”
“She set the example for me.”
For as long as Turner can remember, his mom as been at his games. She is a big football fan and while there for support, she’s also dropping constructive criticism about his game. He admits, she can still be hard on him.
When home, he watches his siblings play in games. They all play sports, Turner said his seven-year-old brother won a championship and he scored four touchdowns in that game.
“Harder watching them play (than playing himself), because I got to be hard on them, got to show tough love,” Turner said.
The 19-year-old said his brothers and sisters watch everything he does and that only makes him work harder.
Stronger and faster even with the 15 extra pounds, Turner is excited about the season. He’s looking to be a more physical runner and often goes into the offensive line room every day to exchange ideas for those who block for him. The tailback believes it’s good for him to learn more about blitzes so he can be better protecting quarterback Mason Heintschel, who he called ‘one of those ones, just a dawg’.
Make no mistake, Turner is the lead back this year in a Pitt offense with high expectations. He’s worked to be more consistent, added the weight and promises he’s not complacent. Turner wants to do anything and everything to make the team better.
Mom would expect nothing less.
“She is my why,” Turner said. “She is the reason I’m here right now. I got to go hard for her and my little siblings.”
Season begins Saturday at 12:30 hosting Miami (OH), hear it on 93.7 The Fan.
2nd year running back discusses importance his mom has on him & impact this year
2nd year running back discusses importance his mom has on him & impact this year
