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4-star RB Michael Turner picks Baylor over talent powerhouses like Washington, Utah and more
Michael Turner Jr., a standout four-star running back from North Richland Hills, Texas, has committed to Baylor University for the 2025 recruiting class. Turner's commitment, announced on July 18, 2024, is a significant addition for Baylor head coach Dave Aranda, bolstering an already promising recruiting lineup.
Turner chose Baylor over a competitive field including Oklahoma State, SMU, TCU, Utah and Washington. According to the On3 Industry Ranking, Turner is the No. 144 overall prospect and the No. 7 running back in the 2025 cycle. On3’s updated On300 list ranks him even higher at No. 82 overall and No. 5 among running backs.
Richland High School coach Ged Kates praised Turner for his maturity and team spirit:
"Michael has always looked like a grown man, but in his junior season, he played like one. His ability is through the roof, but I’m just as proud of his giving heart and the kind of teammate that he has become." [H/T Dallas Morning News]
As a junior, Turner ran the second leg for Richland’s 4x100 relay team, securing third place at the 5A Region I championships in April 2024. In Spring 2023, he competed in the 4x100 and 4x200 relays, running the first leg for Richland’s state-qualifying 4x100 relay and the second leg for the fifth-place 4x200 team at the 5A Region I event.
Freshman year highlights include 100-meter times of 11.05 and 11.11 seconds and an 18-7.5 long jump. In football, his junior campaign ended with 1,668 yards and 23 touchdowns.
Michael Turner's performance on the field has been stellar, earning him first-team all-district honors as a sophomore with 849 yards and 12 touchdowns. As a junior, he elevated his game further, rushing for 1,625 yards and scoring 22 touchdowns. Over three varsity seasons, Turner has averaged 7.8 yards per carry and totaled 36 touchdowns.
Under Coach Aranda, Baylor's recruiting has had its ups and downs. The 2025 class, however, is showing promise. With Turner's commitment, Baylor's ranking jumped ten spots to No. 31 nationally.
Michael Turner is a key addition to Baylor's 2025 recruiting class
Michael Turner Jr. made a significant impression at the Under Armour Next camp in Dallas last March. On March 3, National Scout Cody Bellaire commended Turner, saying:
"The running back position is one of the tougher position groups to shine in during camps and events like this, but Michael Turner stood out in a big way on Sunday afternoon.
"He showed great burst and wiggle during the individual period as well as soft hands and natural ball tracking skills. But it was the 1-on-1 period where we really got to see him display his dominant route running ability and natural hands at the catch point." [H/T On3]
At the Big 12 Media Days in Las Vegas, Baylor head coach Dave Aranda credited NIL deals for the program's recent recruiting success, telling 365 Sports with Craig Smoak:
"We’re paying players."
On3’s Pete Nakos noted that Baylor was initially slow to adopt NIL collectives but now has GXG, a non-profit organization that partners with donors to support Baylor athletes.
Michael Turner's commitment is particularly notable as he is the third top-15 recruit from the Dallas-Fort Worth area to commit to Baylor, joining four-star EDGE Kamauryn Morgan and wide receiver Taz Williams Jr.
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