Uncommitted Recruit Report: Joseph Turay/SF Roosevelt (2021)

<strong>SIOUX FALLS, SD-- </strong>I have always been a firm believer that good things happen to those who wait. The 11AAA All-State running back has had to wait much longer for a college football opportunity than any of us have expected despite those all accolades and being a top 40 prospect by us at Prep Redzone Dakotas, in which he is the best available prospect left on our 2021 rankings. He has the inside burst, the ability to shed off contact quickly, and can block pretty well, too, for star quarterback [player_tooltip player_id="56545" first="Taylen" last="Ashley"], who has some of the best mobility at QB in the Class of 2023. I introduce you to Sioux Fall’s Roosevelt RB Joesph Turay, who, late in February of his senior year, is still is looking for his college football opportunity, which he absolutely deserves. We chatted with Turay about his journey, what he’s looking for at the next level, and much more. <strong>Q: Give us an introduction about yourself as a person and a football player.</strong> <strong>Turay: </strong>My name is [player_tooltip player_id="56269" first="Joseph" last="Turay"]. I’m a 5’10 195 running back out of Roosevelt in Sioux Falls, SD. One of my biggest strengths on the field has to be my blocking and ability to take on contact. Aside from running back, I played defensive end and linebacker in middle school. You’ll rarely see me shy from contact! I also feel like I’m very much a team player. I’m always looking out for my team and ways I can help my guys win. Football isn’t like basketball, where someone can shoot a thousand threes. Football is a team sport, and everyone has to come together and play their game in their unique way. Kind of like the Avengers, not everyone can be Hulk. You need Captain America and Iron-Man as well. <strong>Q: What do you love about the running back position?</strong> <strong>Turay:</strong> I love the running back position. I feel like it’s become less valued, but I still feel as if it’s one of the most important positions on the football field. There are many ways to spread a back and utilize him. An old coach once told me, “A running back that can catch the ball changes the entire game.” As a back, you must be versatile and be able to do it all. All the ESPN and sports analysts will talk about how easy it is to replace a back and how unimportant we are. As a running back, You are very important, and the little things you do can tremendously help your team. <strong>Q: Where are you at with recruiting, and what would be your elevator pitch to the coaches that may be reading this?</strong> <strong>Turay: </strong>I currently have no colleges contacting me. During my high school football career, I’ve been recruited, invited to game days, and sent letters and graphics from South Dakota State, University of South Dakota, Augustana, University of Sioux Falls, and Morningside. None of those schools have really paid interest in me, and that is totally understandable. I’m honestly just looking for an opportunity. Any school would be good for me; I don’t feed into the “D1 or D2”. Take away the fans, the stadium, the jerseys, and it’s all the same game. I would love to go JUCO, but to whichever coach picks me up, they’re getting a hard-working, patient, physical, but humble player. You’ll get everything out of me and then some on top of it! <strong>Q: What have your coaches told are your biggest things you can work on with your game?</strong> <strong>Turay: </strong>A coach in the past has told me to work on with my game is catch out of the backfield. In my beginning years in high school, I didn’t have the best hands, but I slowly began to work on them. I started training with some of my receivers in the off-season, and I definitely got my hands up! I wasn’t really utilized out of the backfield my junior and senior years but I will definitely try to be that All Around back in college. <strong>Q: Who are your biggest mentors when it comes to football?</strong> <strong>Turay: </strong>My football mentor isn’t just one person. My football mentors are my cousins. I have 5 cousins that also play running back. They push me every day; they inspire and drive me to be better. I try to take pieces of their game and use it toward my own. Getting in the gym with them is amazing, something I would never pass up! I’m blessed to have those guys in my corner. <strong>Q: What is the biggest thing you learned about yourself in your senior season at Roosevelt, and what goals do you have for 2021?</strong> I’ve learned a lot about myself this season. Unfortunately, me and my team didn’t finish all the way, but I could say I had a good season: 405 yards and 11 touchdowns on 63 carries. I did what I could for my team. I stepped up when they needed me. During my sophomore and freshman seasons, I was very low on the depth chart. 7th string, to be exact. The next year my number was called, and I stepped up. I split carries with another great back. In my senior year, the load was mostly mine. I had a lot of people doubting me and downsizing me. I did great. I did everything I could to help my team win games. I realized that I could take the load and be that starting back; I always knew I was capable of being. My biggest goal next year is to find a home. Hopefully, someone can pick me up. I’m all in! I’m ready for the next chapter of my life! Film:<iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/9466196/5fa300d7176ce30a702964fb" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> &nbsp;