Kimberly Yamaguchi
From the age of four, Senior Dakota Turner dreamed of one day playing for the National Football League (NFL). He focused on what was in front of him and put his best effort on the field throughout his high school career, landing him a coveted spot on the all-state football team.
“My grandpa was always telling me. ‘First team all-state, make that your goal.’ A lot of great people have done it. All the great players out of Hawaii. It was a big goal of mine so to meet that goal was a great feeling,” explained Turner.
Turner was selected as one of the best defensive line players in the state. “I made the first team list. It’s the best 11 defense in the state and the best 11 offense in the state,” said Turner, who remembers clearly when he found out he had won a spot on the all-state team. “It was an awesome feeling because it was on Christmas day in the newspaper. My coach texted me and told me to read the newspaper. We opened it up and I was on the front page. It was a good feeling,” he said.
The award hold great prestige as every football player in the state is eligible for a spot on the all-state team. “There’s only four in the entire state that are chosen for that position. He was one of them. It just shows that he’s doing things well and doing things right. And he’s definitely a team player, so he’s well deserving of that award,” said Football head coach Roderick York.
Turner credits his family for their consistent encouragement. “They always supported me, throughout my whole entire life, taking me to football camps to get exposure to colleges and buying me equipment.” His sister, Junior Carson Turner, added, “Since a young age I’ve been going to all his games. I used to be a cheerleader for his team when we were like 7 and 8. For him it’s God and then family, that’s what he always says, so he really cares and I think he’s really appreciative that we all support him.”
In July of 2012, Dakota Turner accepted a full scholarship to San Diego State University, putting into perspective the possibilities his talents could lead to. “I could make a career out of it if I work hard and get a scholarship, which I’ve done,” said Dakota Turner, continuing, “Definitely make a college career out of it. Hopefully get playing time at the next level, become a starter. Who knows, maybe even go into the NFL. But just the big goal right now is to get a good education and play ball in college.”
His coaches have high hopes for him as well. “Well he’s definitely going to play on the Saturday morning TV. And hopefully one day we’ll see him on Sunday mornings for the NFL,” expressed York.
Despite having all this talent, Dakota Turner never seemed to let it get to his head. “I think even though he’s really good at a lot of the stuff he does, he’s a really behind the scenes guy. He keeps humility and he has his priorities straight. I think he knows what’s important in life and he doesn’t let football or his popularity steer him away,” expressed Carson Turner. York added, “It keeps his interest. It keeps him motivated. But football is just secondary to his academics. He has a lot of motivation.”
His teammates, family and coaches alike have noted his work ethic both on and off the field. “He’s truly dedicated. He’s an amazing kid. He’s always working, he’s always lifting, asking if anybody else wants to come lift. He wants to motivate the team. He was truly a leader of the team this year,” expressed teammate Senior Erren Jean-Pierre. “While football is a lot about skill and talent I think he just has this work ethic that’s really rare to find. He is in the gym every week all day. If you can’t find him, you go to the gym. He just works really hard,” Carson Turner added of his work ethic.
Dakota Turner makes a conscious effort to be an example to the rest of the team. “You got to lead by example on and off the field. It’s hard, but you got to do what’s right,” explained Dakota Turner, continuing, “I just always do what’s right. I find someone to look up to that’s kind of around what I like to do, that’s football and stuff. I learn from mistakes from other people and just try to set the right path.”
With high hopes for his future, Dakota Turner will play for San Diego State this fall, aiming to earn a starting spot and maybe even one day a spot on an NFL team. For now, he is satisfied being the only MHS player to have been chosen for the all-state team.
