Checking In With: Special Teams Coordinator Turner West
8/24/2022 10:00:00 AM | Football
Taking a look at each group heading into game week
STATESBORO - As game week draws closer, GSEagles.com had a chance to sit down with each coordinator to get their thoughts on their areas. Up first is special teams coordinator Turner West.
What's one group or area you've been pleasantly surprised with this preseason?
The main group area that I've been pleasantly surprised is our field goal unit. Coach Richard Owens and I got together this summer put together what we thought was a really good way to protect our kicker. Those guys are almost all offensive linemen and he's brought that toughness to the position. We've had good operation times, we have good depth at kicker and it's been a nice bright spot so far.
What aspect is still something you have to work on to be ready for the season?
I don't think there's a specific area, but we're always looking to improve every day in every area. We have a mindset that we need to come out and practice at a championship level every day and when we do that, we'll get better.
Who are a few veterans who have stood out this preseason and why?
NaJee Thompson is an unbelievable special teams player. He does it in practice and he did it in every game he played in last year. He's the same guy every day. Anthony Beck II has performed at a high level this preseason and Mark Langston is another one who I've been impressed with. Then you look at core guys like Jon Ferguson and Zyon McGee who are unbelievable special teams player and will have a big role for us this year.
What newcomers should Eagle Nation keep their eyes on this season who have stood out this preseason?
There are going to be a lot of young guys who contribute this season on special teams, but the two have stood out the most both wear number 22 in OJ Arnold and Marc Stampley II. They are really versatile and good football players. They have good ball skills and they are tough. Those two have shown out but there's a lot of guys in terms of young guys who we signed this past year. And then there's Michael Lantz, who transferred in from Minnesota. Similar to Beck, he has a professional approach and he's been a great addition.
What has you excited about your area this season?
The guys are hungry and they want to win. They will do whatever we ask of them and they are selfless. But also, I'm excited about our coaches. When we go to special team periods, they are on it and are coaching their butts off. It's awesome to see these guys teach it the correct way and really buy into it. It makes it a lot of fun when you coaches and players out there working hard to accomplish a common goal, which is to win a championship.
What's one group or area you've been pleasantly surprised with this preseason?
The main group area that I've been pleasantly surprised is our field goal unit. Coach Richard Owens and I got together this summer put together what we thought was a really good way to protect our kicker. Those guys are almost all offensive linemen and he's brought that toughness to the position. We've had good operation times, we have good depth at kicker and it's been a nice bright spot so far.
What aspect is still something you have to work on to be ready for the season?
I don't think there's a specific area, but we're always looking to improve every day in every area. We have a mindset that we need to come out and practice at a championship level every day and when we do that, we'll get better.
Who are a few veterans who have stood out this preseason and why?
NaJee Thompson is an unbelievable special teams player. He does it in practice and he did it in every game he played in last year. He's the same guy every day. Anthony Beck II has performed at a high level this preseason and Mark Langston is another one who I've been impressed with. Then you look at core guys like Jon Ferguson and Zyon McGee who are unbelievable special teams player and will have a big role for us this year.
What newcomers should Eagle Nation keep their eyes on this season who have stood out this preseason?
There are going to be a lot of young guys who contribute this season on special teams, but the two have stood out the most both wear number 22 in OJ Arnold and Marc Stampley II. They are really versatile and good football players. They have good ball skills and they are tough. Those two have shown out but there's a lot of guys in terms of young guys who we signed this past year. And then there's Michael Lantz, who transferred in from Minnesota. Similar to Beck, he has a professional approach and he's been a great addition.
What has you excited about your area this season?
The guys are hungry and they want to win. They will do whatever we ask of them and they are selfless. But also, I'm excited about our coaches. When we go to special team periods, they are on it and are coaching their butts off. It's awesome to see these guys teach it the correct way and really buy into it. It makes it a lot of fun when you coaches and players out there working hard to accomplish a common goal, which is to win a championship.
Players Mentioned
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