Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Stephon Turner

Stephon Turner is a senior wide receiver at Riverview High. He had 148 receiving yards and two touchdowns in the Rams' 57-3 win against Newsome High Oct. 6. 

When did you start playing football?

I started playing flag football when I was 4 years old. I've been playing ever since then. My dad (Kenith Turner), he has always played football. He told me to try it, and I ended up liking it a lot.

What is the appeal of football to you?

I like the environment. It's just fun, something to do.

Did you play other sports in your childhood?

I used to play basketball and baseball in middle school. I stopped when I came to high school. I just wanted to focus on football.

Do you have a favorite football memory?

My first year playing in pads, I was 9 years old and played for the Iroquois of the Sarasota Ringling Redskins. We won the championship that season, and I had the game-winning touchdown catch in the title game. 

What is your best skill as a receiver?

Either actually catching the ball or getting yards after the catch. 

What are your goals for the rest of the season?

Our goal as a team is to win state, nothing less. I don't really have an individual goal. I just want to win with my team. 

What is your favorite food?

Pepperoni pizza with ranch dipping sauce. 

What is your favorite movie or TV show?

My favorite movie would be  "The Longest Yard." My favorite show would be "SportsCenter," all I watch is sports. 

What is your favorite subject in school?

Math. I just always liked it. It was my strongest subject. 

What hobbies do you have?

I like to play video games and hang with my friends. Right now, I'm playing a lot of NBA 2K18. The (Cleveland) Cavaliers are my go-to team. I'm a big LeBron James fan.

What is the biggest challenge you have had to overcome in your athletic career?

Probably this season, transferring in from Lakewood Ranch High. The coaches didn't know me that well so I had to come out here, make a statement and earn a starting spot. They didn't hand it to me. I had to learn Riverview's plays and get comfortable with the team, but I feel great now. 

What is your dream vacation spot?

Probably California if I was staying in the country. If I went out of the country, probably Canada. I've always wanted to go there. Toronto seems like a nice place. 

What is the best piece of advice you have received?

Never give up. Stay humble. Focus and work hard every day. That helps you throughout life. No one is going to want to hire a quitter to a job. In football it helps, too. No coach wants a quitter on their team.

Finish this sentence: "Stephon Turner is ... "

... The most humble guy you will ever meet. I'm not a cocky guy. I'm not a trash-talking football player, either. I always look at it like, 'I'm not going to talk. I'm going to show you with my pads what I can do.'