Texas A&M star defensive lineman Shemar Turner credits the culture of Texas high school football for his current success.“Without Texas high school football, I don’t know what I would have done,” Turner said at SEC Media Days on Thursday.He played for DeSoto, which is coming off two straight state championships under Coach Claude Mathis. At DeSoto, Turner played beside the likes of current Seattle Seahawks defensive tackle Byron Murphy II. Turner graduated from DeSoto in 2021.
“Playing in Texas was big,” Turner said. “I feel like it prepared me because I went against somebody every week, pretty much like how it is now. You’re going to go against somebody good, and you’re going to go against somebody that’s going to push you every week.”Turner recorded 76 total tackles, 24 tackles for loss, 12.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and 2 fumble recoveries his senior year, according to 247Sports.
He co-captained DeSoto with Murphy that season, leading the Eagles to a 10-2 record and 6A Division I quarterfinals appearance.The five-star recruit ranked No. 22 nationally and No. 6 for defensive linemen, competing in the Under Armour All-America game among the nation’s top high schoolers. He was listed No. 12 on Dallas Morning News’ Top 100 recruits for the class of 2021 and the top-ranked defensive lineman.
Turner committed to the Aggies on Dec. 12, 2020, after receiving offers from Florida State, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Georgia, and Ohio State, among others. “It’s been a long journey, but it has been a good one. I prayed about A&M, and God has not led me wrong yet,” Turner said. “I’ve been continually getting better, growing as a man and also as a football player.”
The rising senior has been integral to Texas A&M’s defense. Turner started all 12 games he played in last season, finishing third on the team with 10.5 tackles for loss and second with 6.0 sacks. He was named to the All-SEC Second Team last year.
With Texas joining the SEC, Turner is ready for the energy that the renewed Texas A&M-Texas rivalry will bring to Aggieland.
“I’m not going to lie,” he said. “Aggieland is going to change. It is always electric there, but I feel like that game is just going to be different and being able to feel that environment before I get out of college is going to be great.”
Texas A&M last faced Texas in 2011, losing 27-25. They will meet up again, over 13 years later, on Nov. 30, 2024 at Kyle Field.
Started all 12 games he played in, finishing the season third on the team with 10.5 tackles for loss and second with 6.0 sacks … Had three takedowns, including a solo sack for a 6-yard loss, in the season-opening win over New Mexico … Forced a fumble and had a solo sack for an 8-yard loss at Miami … Had a pair of tackles, including a solo sack, while also forcing a fumble and recording a QB hurry in the win over ULM … Tallied five tackles, 1.0 for loss, also adding a hurry in the win over Auburn … Made four tackles, including 2.5 for loss in the win over Arkansas … Was in on three tackles against Alabama … Assisted on four tackles at Tennessee … Had three tackles, including 1.5 sack for 18 yards lost in the win over South Carolina … Was in on a pair of tackles and blocked a field goal attempt that landed in the hands of Jacoby Mathews, who took it 75 yards tot he end zone to put A&M on the board in the second quarter at Ole Miss … Had two tackles, including a sack for a 6-yard loss, and blocked a late 49-yard field goal attempt in the win over Mississippi State … Made three tackles against ACU … Earned the Defensive Trenches Award at the annual team banquet.
2022 (SOPHOMORE): Started all 11 games he played in … Made five tackles against App State … Had a hurry and two tackles in the win over Miami … Made four tackles, 1.0 for loss, against Arkansas … Tallied four tackles at Mississippi State … Had three tackles at South Carolina … Made two solo tackles, including 1.0 for loss, against Ole Miss … Made five tackles, including 1.5 for a loss of 5 yards, against Florida … Earned the defense’s Mr. Dependable award at the annual team banquet.
2021 (FRESHMAN): Played in eight games … Tallied four tackles and 1.5 sacks in his collegiate debut against Kent State in the season opener … Added a tackle at Colorado and versus New Mexico … Recorded two tackles against Arkansas … Given the Defensive Top Newcomer Award and the Freshman Aggie Award for strength & conditioning at the annual team banquet.
HIGH SCHOOL: Coached by Claude Mathis at DeSoto High School … In 2019, was first-team all-district and helped DeSoto finish 9-3 with an appearance in the Texas 6A D-II second round … As a sophomore, was named District 7-6A Co-Defensive Sophomore of the Year as DeSoto went 9-3 and reached the second round of the Texas 6A D-I playoffs … Marked as a consensus 4-star recruit and a top-10 player in Texas by 247 Sports, Rivals and ESPN.
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