USA Today released their preseason All-America Team choices yesterday, and TCU’s Kavonte Turpin was named as a 2nd Team Specialist for kickoff returns. He joins Alabama Punter JK Scott and Minnesota Kicker Emmit Carpenter on the list. The First Team return specialist was Quadree Henderson of Pittsburgh.
Frog fans have enjoyed watching Turpin take off down the field in a variety of roles for the team since his Freshman year in 2015. His speed and agility make him a fun player to watch and equally frustrating for defensive players to catch. In 2015, Turpin had 45 receptions for a total of 649 yards, with an additional 729 yards in kickoff returns. In 2016, he suffered an injury to his knee early in the season. He only played in 8 games, but he still managed to rack up 295 receiving yards on 30 receptions and 482 yards in kickoff returns. He’s had over 300 yards in punt returns the past two years combined. In 2015, he had 181 yards over 13 games, and in 2016 he totaled 125 yards in just 8 games, extending his average from 10.6 yards/return to 12.5 yards/return.
Turpin was unable to practice this past Spring due to academic issues. In a press conference back in April, Gary Patterson said he was happy to have Turpin rejoin the team. He also noted how difficult it can be for a player to be great as a freshman. “He just needs to keep doing what he’s supposed to do. We have standards here on and off the field,” he told reporters..
We’re looking forward to watching Turpin take off down the field this season, evading defenders and racking up yards as the Frogs take on a challenging season. His speed and agility can be especially useful this season when the Frogs travel to Norman, Stillwater, and Manhattan. Congrats, KaVontae, and good luck this season!