Oct. 17, 2006
Senior Brooks Turner is in his fourth year at UCF. He has played in 25 games during his career with the Golden Knights as a kick returner and wide receiver. Turner took some time after practice recently to speak with the UCF Athletics Communications staff about his experiences at UCF and how participating in track and baseball at Deerfield Beach High School in Broward County has helped him succeed in football.
There are 13 players from the south Florida-area on the UCF roster. How has that helped you succeed while with the Golden Knights?
BT: Coming from southern Florida, I played against some fierce competition that helped me prepare for coming to UCF. The players that are here now from down south helped me to settle into the rigorous schedule that a Division I athlete faces.
Do you have any other interests outside of football?
BT: Fishing is an activity that helps me relax and think about life. When fishing, I get to be by myself, where I am able to reflect on my past experiences and think about the future.
What was it like to letter in two other sports, track and baseball, in high school?
BT: My high school days were great. I participated in multiple sports year round. When one sport finished, I was preparing to thrive in the next. This is the time where I excelled in the sports that I played and had fun enjoying them.
In track, what events did you compete in?
BT: I competed in two relays, the 4x100 meter relays and the 4x400 meter relays. Even though these events were not my favorite, I enjoyed them because I was a part of a team. These events also assisted in my development as a football player, since they stressed quick acceleration and breakaway speed.
How did participating in the different sports better prepare you for coming to UCF to play football?
BT: Playing all these different sports made me a better all-around athlete. My favorite sport, baseball, relates to my abilities as a wide receiver, where I am able to go up and catch the ball. Playing the outfield in baseball enabled me to practice to become a better receiver. Track allowed me to build up my endurance and further develop my running abilities.
Have you learned anything from watching and practicing with former teammate Brandon Marshall, who is now in the National Football League with the Denver Broncos?
BT: It is always great to be able to practice with players that are in the NFL because their work ethic is different, they know that they want to get to a certain point and they do. Now with Brandon Marshall gone, I am going up against Mike Walker everyday in practice, who is able to push me even further.
Why did you decide to major in sports and fitness?
BT: Sports and fitness is something that I can relate to. I am an athlete and plan to go into an athletic field. Whether it is coaching or something else, I want to do something that I will enjoy.
What have your coaches taught you in your time at UCF?
BT: The coaches have taught me that nothing is promised for you, so you have to go out everyday and work as hard as possible to get the job done. Most importantly, in order to get something accomplished, it requires hard work and dedication.
George O'Leary is known as a disciplinarian. What have you learned from his style of coaching?
BT: Coach O'Leary preaches being on time for everything, even if that means showing up 15 minutes before you are supposed to. He also wants the players to appear professional, so he makes sure that we shave and dress appropriately.
In addition to athletics, what has attending college at UCF provided you with?
BT: I know that unfortunately this is as far as I am going to be able to go with football, so hopefully I will be able to use my education to find a great job.