Luke Turner is a willing wearer of many hats.
He’ll play strong safety for Naperville Central this fall, but the 6-foot-2, 200-pound senior is the epitome of an “athlete” in recruiting vernacular. Northern Illinois, one of Turner’s eight Division I offers, is recruiting him as a linebacker.
He’s played running back before and will do so again this year.
“I’m a bit of a tweener, which is a curse, but my versatility is a blessing,” Turner said. “Wherever I’m needed, I’ll give it my best shot.”
Central plans to take Turner up on that offer.
One of five returning starters on a defense that gave up just 12.2 points per game for a 10-2 DuPage Valley Conference champion and Class 8A quarterfinalist, Turner could be moved around from week to week.
He’ll play safety and running back, will return punts and kicks, and will play special teams. Turner could line up at cornerback when Central plays Division I receivers Jace James of Glenbard North and Isaiah Robertson of Neuqua Valley the first two weeks.
Central coach Mike Stine isn’t afraid to throw Turner in at outside linebacker, rush end or tight end.
“Luke has the ability to play any position on the field,” Stine said. “It’s a luxury. He’s one of those freak athletes who can change a game.”
Turner is a surefire Division I prospect, but Central’s strength in numbers is on its defensive line.
Joe Gannon (6-3, 235), Gabe Villa (6-4, 215), Brian McSweeney (6-4, 193), Lavar Archibald (6-0, 265) and Troy Hudetz (6-2, 210), who could also play linebacker, help make up what has been touted as one of Central’s better defensive lines.
Behind them is a linebacking corps led by Laddie Skarecky. Returning starter Kyle Bennington will play safety opposite Turner.
“Our linemen, those are some big guys,” Turner said. “They can hit.”
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Turner, too, is a big hitter, and it shouldn’t surprise.
Football and hockey were Turner’s twin sports loves growing up in Vancouver, British Columbia, where he lived until the fifth grade. His dad, Mark Turner, played defensive line collegiately at Miami of Ohio and with the CFL’s BC Lions.
A left winger in hockey, Turner gave it up last winter to focus on football training. But he hopes to play again this year.
“Luke just has a nose for the ball and a great vertical leap,” Stine said. “We have prepared him to play in different spots.”
Central’s offense is more unproven.
Western Michigan-bound lineman Trevor Campbell (6-5, 270) is the lone returning starter. Senior quarterback Pat Ryan didn’t take a varsity snap last year, No. 1 receiver Joshua Ruiz was primarily a return man and slot receiver Tommy Carlsen was the quarterback for Central’s 9-0 sophomore team.
A player to watch is junior running back AJ Deinhart, who reminds Stine of former Central star Ryan Clifford.
“He has the ability to make people miss, and he’s fast — he has a chance to be an explosive playmaker,” Stine said. “I think we will surprise some people on offense.”
Central’s schedule does the Redhawks no favors.
Three of their first four games are against 2015 playoff teams. The Redhawks have just three true home games. In Week 6, they play at St. Edward, Ohio’s defending Division I state champion, in the Cleveland suburb of Lakewood.
“If our defense can keep us in games and our offense can grow, we feel we have a lot of potential,” Stine said. “There isn’t a cupcake on the schedule. Every game is almost a quarterfinal game.”
Joshua Welge is a freelance reporter for the Naperville Sun.
NAPERVILLE CENTRAL
Last season: 10-2 (7-1 DuPage Valley Conference).
Playoffs: Lost 17-0 to Waubonsie Valley in Class 8A quarterfinal.
Coach: Mike Stine, 11th year, 75-37.
Players to watch: Luke Turner, senior, safety; Laddie Skarecky, senior, linebacker; Trevor Campbell, senior, offensive lineman; Joe Gannon, senior, defensive lineman; AJ Deinhart, junior, running back; Joshua Ruiz, senior, wide receiver.
Schedule: (x-denotes DuPage Valley Conference game; all begin at 7:30 p.m. unless noted). Aug. 26: x-Glenbard North; Sept. 2: x-at Neuqua Valley; Sept. 9: x-at Metea Valley; Sept. 16: x-Waubonsie Valley; Sept. 23: x-at Wheaton Warrenville South; Oct. 1: at Lakewood (St. Edward), Ohio, noon; Oct. 7: x-Naperville North (at North Central College); Oct. 14: x-at Wheaton North; Oct. 21: x-Lake Park.