Aggies' Shemar Turner Looks to Continue Hot Start

Defensive Lineman Shemar Turner has been a huge bright spot on defense for the Texas A&M Aggies throughout the first three games of the season.

In year three with the Texas A&M Aggies, Shemar Turner is finally getting his opportunity to shine. 

The DeSoto native was a four-star recruit coming out of high school but was quiet during his freshmen and sophomore campaigns. Turner was only able to record two sacks and with no forced fumbles over the two seasons.

This year, however, has been far different, with Turner already exceeding both of those numbers. Through three games, he leads the Aggies with three sacks and two forced fumbles. This fast start for the junior pass rusher has received praise from his teammates and coaches.

More specifically, head coach Jimbo Fisher, who is not at all surprised by the recent success of Turner. 

"There's nobody on our team that loves football more than Shemar,” Fisher said. That guy loves to play, he loves to practice, he loves to workout, he loves to do everything that's associated with football."

On top of seeing the defensive lineman's work ethic, Fisher has taken notice of the importance football has to Turner.

 "[He] plays with passion and energy in everything,” Fisher said. “I love everything about what he does and the intensity that he brings. Every play in practice to him is like the national championship."

Jacoby Mathews (2) and Fadil Diggs (10) celebrate with Shemar Turner (5) after a tackle for loss / © Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports

Fellow defensive lineman LT Overton also had high praise for Turner.

"He's definitely going to the league, and I'm not talking third or fourth round,” Overton said. “I'm talking first round or high second [round]." 

LT Overton also said Turner's work ethic and leadership make him the great player that he is, and that the energy he brings to the team is crucial. 

This passion and leadership that Turner has will be important in developing a defensive line that is packed full of young talent but just needs to execute. 

With upperclassmen such as Turner and senior McKinley Jackson leading the way, the Aggies hope to develop this potential on the line and turn around the Aggie defense.

The Texas A&M defense will get a big opportunity on Saturday as Shemar Turner and the Aggies face off against the Auburn Tigers in their SEC season opener.