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Q & A with Calvin Turner Jr. of Rainbow Warrior Football

Leading up to his final game as a Rainbow Warrior in the 2021 EasyPost Hawai'i Bowl, senior Calvin Turner Jr. sat down with University of Hawai'i athletics to discuss his time at UH and what's next for him. Plus, the advice he would give to other student-athletes when it comes to where they should decide to play college football. 

Question: When you evaluate this season for yourself, how do you view it:

Answer: I feel like I played well, but there were a lot of plays that I left out on the field. A lot of improvement I could have done. But I feel like this year has been good for me, and I learned a lot. I can keep getting better from it. 

Q: How about your overall collegiate career? How would you evaluate it with one more game to go?

A: I feel like I've made the most out of every opportunity I've been given. At Jacksonville, I maximized that, and here at Hawai'i, I also maximized every opportunity I was given. I wouldn't change any of it.

Q: What do you visualize as your next step? 

A: I visualize playing as many years as possible at the next level in the NFL. It has been my goal since I was a young kid, so for me, that's how I visualize it. 

Q: When everything happened at Jacksonville, and you were trying to figure out what was next, what was your mindset like? What were you looking for? 

A: The biggest thing for me was going somewhere where I wasn't going to play quarterback. I knew I wasn't going to make it the NFL playing quarterback. The biggest thing for me was moving to running back or slot receiver, going somewhere that was full scholarship, and at a higher level than where I was to put myself out there.

Q: Your time in Hawai'i, outside of football, what has it meant to you?

A: It's has been amazing. The people here, they embrace you and treat you like family. Some of the people I've met and been with outside of football have meant a lot to me. Plus, the beautiful island of Hawai'i has been great. 

Q: Looking back two years ago, did things turn out the way you thought they would for you here? 

A: Definitely! This is what I came here to do, play football, and use the platform of Hawai'i football to brand myself out. I feel like I did that as a versatile athlete, I feel like I've done a lot here, and the people here embraced me. I feel like I've done a lot for this team, and they did a lot for me as well. I envisioned everything that has happened here for myself, and I'm glad it came true. 

Q: Who do you think has had the most significant impact on your life, on the field and off?

A: My family and my girlfriend have been my motivation. They've been my biggest supporters with everything. Every situation that has come up they've been my biggest support and biggest motivation, and they've been there for me. 

Q: So much has changed regarding the collegiate landscape and how student-athletes can move around and transfer. What advice would you give to student-athletes going through it all?

A: I had no choice in leaving Jacksonville. If I wanted to keep playing football, I had to go. I believe if the program were still around, I would still be there right now. If I were talking to another student-athlete, I would tell them things aren't always green on the other side. So make sure you put yourself in the best situation to benefit your life. Sometimes, things aren't always greener on the other side, and you have to wait your turn. Everyone doesn't come into college football and just becomes a superstar. Look at Mac Jones at Alabama, and he didn't start until his fourth year. Then he was a national champion and a first-round pick. Everyone has to wait for their time, and everyone's time is coming. As long as you put your work in, things will be fine. Just look at everything when it comes to your decision.

Q: What would you tell a student-athlete considering coming to play at Hawai'i? 

A: Be ready! The fans are going to love you, but they'll talk trash too. They're a very die-hard fan base, and I love playing for them, and I love being here. They're going to support no matter what, win, lose or draw. They're going to support you. Be ready for fans who will be here and give you the support. It's going to be hard cause you may be away from home, be ready to come here, embrace the grind, and embrace the fans. 

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Players Mentioned

Calvin Turner Jr.

#7 Calvin Turner Jr.

RB/WR
5' 11"
Senior

Players Mentioned

Calvin Turner Jr.

#7 Calvin Turner Jr.

5' 11"
Senior
RB/WR