During the course of the USFLās 2022 season, fans have been treated to watching some high quality football. Each team possesses quite a bit of talent, and the New Jersey Generals are no exception. The team features some of the leagueās most explosive playmakers, with KaVontae Turpin being one of them.
TURPIN WITH THE SPEED ā”ļø@KaVontaeTurpin gets us inside the 10!
šŗ: @FoxSports pic.twitter.com/iUwKzOlRGs
— New Jersey Generals (@USFLGenerals) May 14, 2022
Mike Riley has put together an excellent offense. Between Turpin, Darius Victor, Trey Williams, and a mobile quarterback in DeAndre Johnson – slowing down this offense is nearly impossible. Their record clearly reflects just that, winning four games straight, sitting atop their division at 4-1.
KaVontae has played a massive role during the past few weeks, as Riley has consistently worked him into the game plan – and for good reason. He boasts a skill set that any coach would want on their roster, and Riley is making sure that Turpin gets the ball in his hands.
fGAS PEDAL. @KaVontaeTurpin
šŗ @peacockTV pic.twitter.com/4m8HIzSTSv
— New Jersey Generals (@USFLGenerals) May 7, 2022
Letās take a look at what Turpin has accomplished so far, and what his unique attributes can bring to New Jersey during the rest of the season.
Previous Spring League Experience
Turpin played in both Fan Controlled Football and The Spring League in 2021. During those stints, he showed the football world just what he was capable of. Viewers who paid attention to Turpin knew that he had loads of potential, and just needed an opportunity to showcase it.
In the TSL, Turpin played for the Sea Lions. Interestingly enough, he played alongside DeAndre Johnson, who is now QB1 for the New Jersey Generals. This chemistry has passed over into the USFL, making the pairing a dangerous weapon for Rileyās offense.
This is the ability that DeāAndre Johnson flashes from time to time. Hits KaVontae Turpin in stride deep down the field.
Beautiful placement, touch, and great deep ball ability. pic.twitter.com/IxSlUBcmq0
— John āWinter Soldierā Vogel šŗš¦ (@DraftVogel) June 13, 2021
Turpin also made a stop in the European League Of Football, playing for the Wroclaw Panthers. He joined the team mid-season, and immediately made an impact. Itās just what he does, Turpin ignites explosive plays on every team he plays for.
Is @KaVontaeTurpin the best mid season addition in the league? š¾ #HSDvsWPA @PanthersWroclaw pic.twitter.com/xVpgZR14Cw
— European League of Football (@ELF_Official) August 25, 2021
Tyreek Hill Similarities?
Of course, if you look at Turpin, you can see why a comparison is made to Tyreek Hill. Both are on the smaller side, but can outrun just about anyone. As the season has progressed, Turpinās role has evolved – and Riley is now using him in the ways a coach would use someone like Hill.
For example, Turpin has been involved as a rusher, taking an occasional end-around to throw defenses off. This has worked quite well for New Jersey, as Turpin scored his first touchdown of the season in this manner.
You just aren't gonna catch @KaVontaeTurpin š¤·
Generals extend their lead!
šŗ @peacockTV pic.twitter.com/FggjUDHEQt
— New Jersey Generals (@USFLGenerals) May 7, 2022
That being said, Riley has gotten Turpin the ball through the air as well. Turpin is currently averaging 12.4 yards per reception on the season, and is in seventh place for receiving yards in the USFL. Turpin has a natural ability to make plays despite his size, finding the football at lightning speed. Johnson throws to a spot, knowing that Turpin will burst on the scene out of nowhere.
Absolute dime from @dredadon14 šÆ@KaVontaeTurpin with the SPEED šØ
šŗ: @FoxSports pic.twitter.com/OnZ20tKRMh
— New Jersey Generals (@USFLGenerals) May 14, 2022
The numbers speak for themselves. Johnson has been targeting Turpin at least five times per game, believe it or not. In fact, since week three, Turpin has averaged over 70 receiving yards per game. While many expected Turpin to be a return specialist, his role has grown tremendously, proving himself to be a valuable wide receiver.
Not to mention – Turpin is an elite returner as well. His speed and agility are unmatched – and his ability to make defenders miss is almost a carbon copy of what Tyreek does on the field. The USFL needs athletes like Turpin, who provide viewers with plenty of excitement week in and week out.
THIS š GUY š@KaVontaeTurpin AGAIN with an incredible run šØ
šŗ: @FoxSports pic.twitter.com/7T8bsXBtMT
— New Jersey Generals (@USFLGenerals) May 14, 2022
Final Thoughts
There is no doubt about it: KaVontae Turpin is a force to be reckoned with on the football field. He has been creating havoc all season long for opposing defenses – and the scary part is: heās only getting started.
š¤ @KaVontaeTurpin is really like that pic.twitter.com/JixybyKK13
— New Jersey Generals (@USFLGenerals) April 23, 2022
As we head into the second half of the USFLās inaugural season, expect Turpin to continue to make big plays for Mike Rileyās offense. With Johnsonās confidence as a passer increasing with each week, his numbers will be even more impressive moving forward. It’s officially Turpin Time in the USFL.
What do you think of KaVontae Turpin in the USFL? Do you see the similarities between him and Tyreek Hill? Let us know down in the comments below, or join the conversation on Discord!