Zachary Turner '17 Recruiting Profile

Who is Zachary Turner? It took me quite a while to start to write this personal statement as I am still getting to know Zachary Turner. What I do know is that I tend to be an observer and allow my actions to speak for me. I come from a strong family and have strong values. I am a quiet leader with a loud impact. I know that I would have a positive impact on your program and earn a leadership role through the values, passion, and actions that are inherent in me.

“Would you follow you?” is a question that our athletic director had challenged us with. My answer to this question would be a yes. I know that this comes with a lot of responsibility and I feel that I have the courage and the values to do what is required. I have been taught that it is your actions that count the most. Above all, it is important to accept responsibility for your words or actions and do what you can to do the right thing and learn from your mistakes. I take responsibility for my actions. Honesty is one of my strongest qualities. You not only have to be honest with others, but you need to be honest with yourself as well. I believe this quality is important and I am looking for a coach and a program that will always be honest with me.

Being able to play football in college is an opportunity to continue to drive myself to be better. Playing football also helps me to be a better student as I am focused. I like the challenges, comradery and pride that come with playing on a team. I take it seriously and have a drive to win. I work hard to ensure that I know what I am doing. I practice on the field and off. I am self-aware with what I can improve on and have the dedication and knowledge to get there. I believe that a successful player has to be confident in their knowledge of the game. I make sure that I take the time to listen while at practice, ask questions and make sure that I know my job. I also take the time outside of practice to study my own film tape and any other plays or techniques that I need to work on. I have traditionally played center, defensive tackle and defensive end, however, I am also considering playing linebacker or fullback at the next level. I train in the off season and although, I got pounded on, I joined the wrestling team to further help me in football. I will work hard to lead by example. Actions speak louder than words and your follow through shows that you mean what you say. It is important to give 110% of your best efforts at any position you are placed. The team will see me always giving 110% on the field and academically, as this is what is needed to be successful.

Not only am I driven in football, but I am driven in my studies. I know what it is like to struggle in this area and without perseverance and addressing my personal issues, I would have never made the honor role. I also believe that your struggles make you a better student and athlete as you have to rise to the challenge of assessing your obstacle and finding a way to work through and never give up. Grades always came easy to me before Marian and I tested into highest honor classes’ freshman year. I struggled so much that first year even though my test scores said I belonged at the honor level. In fact, I had to take a class outside as I had failed Spanish. Failing was very hard for me as I had never failed anything before. I could not understand and worked hard but still could not seem to improve. As a result, I went to seek advice and counseling and was diagnosed with ADHD. Through a lot of hard work and support from my doctor, my family, my teachers and the guidance department at Marian, I was able to pass and even make the honor roll. I was also recommended for honors classes for my junior year. I am very proud of my achievements and will continue to study hard and continue to improve. This set back greatly affected my GPA and I have been working diligently improve it. My goal is to be accepted and graduate from college with an engineering degree in order to make a difference for myself, my family, and my world.

I am a very dedicated person and come from a very strong foundation. My family is my rock. They have taught me how to be grateful for every aspect of my life. They have taught me to see the blessings and honor God in all that I do. They have always taught me to find the positive in the negative. They have taught me how to really listen and be aware of the impact of my words. I have learned how to listen and how to put myself in someone else’s shoes. All of these lessons make me a good person and have helped me to achieve leadership awards. My name is Zachary Turner and I am a quiet man, yet my impact can be great.