I was excited about this transfer, then I heard nothing the entire off season, right up until about 2 weeks ago. Now, with this article and the players testimonials about how hard Asa Turner plays... I feel fantastic about this guy playing Safety on the Gators' defense... The more I read about our team and players, the more I feel good about this team's chances to surprise the entire football world. 8 or 9 wins is possible if we stay healthy. This is a good read. Intent to go out on a high note, Gators S Asa Turner convinced Florida will surprise outsiders in 2024 The hard-hitting transfer from Washington is convinced the Gators will subvert expectations from those projecting Florida to struggle in 2024 It wasn't just veteran experience the Gators looked to add to their roster in the aftermath of the 2023 campaign. Coming off of a 5-7 finish in 2023, preceded by a 6-7 record in Billy Napier's first year at the helm, Florida was in desperate need of players accustomed to achieving at the highest level, knowing the familiarity with victory would provide a necessary intangible to the roster ahead of a critical third year in the Napier era in Gainesville. "It was interesting, because we went to the championship this past year and we ended our game the end of January, or middle of January, so I hopped in the portal, I went in the portal and right after that it closed, too, so it was a quick turnaround," Turner, speaking to the media for the first time since arriving at Florida, said Friday. "I was literally only able to come on the OV here, so it really was between staying in Washington or coming over here, (joining) Coach Harris and the University of Florida." "I needed a change," Turner acknowledged. "I had been at Washington for the past five years, been doing the same routine, living in the same apartment, seeing the same people, driving the same car. I probably felt it was time for a change, and I wanted to go out with a bang this sixth year." Now, Turner is part of a revamped Florida secondary intent on subverting outside expectations, as the Gators are projected by oddsmakers and pundits to finish with a sub-.500 record once again. Though, he's a significant reason as to why the program is convinced improvement in the third level is in store. Throughout his time at Washington, Turner's play was marked by hard-hitting tackles laid on the opposition, even at the expense of his health; a year ago, Turner broke both of his hands as a result of his physicality, leading to him playing in just four games in the regular season in 2023 before starting all three of the Huskies' postseason contests. https://247sports.com/college/flori...ll-camp-preview-roster-depth-chart-234626174/
It's nice to see upgrades and experienced depth, not only from our high school recruits getting one year bigger, stronger and faster, but from the added transfer portal players too.
Hope to see him be a difference maker and set an example for others. Him and Castell should be quite the duo.
And, in case you missed it. Someone posted an article about the receivers, asking them which player they think plays the hardest on defense, and Asa Turner's name came up twice. Forgot which two receivers said it, but they both said trying to block Asa was far harder than any other DB on the defense. That's great news for the defense, IMHO. If I find that article, I will post it here. It's a Twitter feed/post.
If the DB’s just tackle better the entire defense improves significantly. Our DB’s have been horrible tacklers the last couple of years and when they miss it’s a big play. Most of tackling “is the want to”, regardless of ability. Hope Turner is the real deal and Castell has significantly improved.
“To undermine or overthrow” (in this case negative) expectations. Seems pretty straightforward - and eloquently said -by a representative of GATOR nation
Never heard of Asa Turner before he came to us through the portal. The more I read about him the more I am reminded of Dick Anderson. (Minus the interceptions, of course).
I think the defense is going to be a lot better. Even mediocre would be a huge upgrade over the past several seasons. OLine is what I'm really worried about.
