ITF EXTRA: Has Michigan found its portal kicker?
Michigan is still searching the portal for help in 2023 at a few positions. Jim Harbaugh and his staff have been working on finding a kicker, and it appears one may have fallen into their laps.
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Louisville kicker James Turner, a senior-to-be, has entered the portal, and sources say he’s essentially coning home. The Saline (Mich.) native was a “solid” kicker in high school who has only gotten better in college. Per CardChronicle.com, “Turner has reportedly asked schools not to contact him, meaning his next destination has likely already been decided.”
Sources have confirmed that, if all goes as planned, it will be Michigan. The junior may have to finish some classes and enter as a grad transfer (we’re not sure at this point), but details are expected to work out.
Turner had an outstanding season last year, making 20 of 22 field goals for the Cardinals and 47 of 59 over three years. Many of them were critical, and last year he set the school record last season for accuracy.
“This is no small loss for a Cardinal team that has played a ton of close games in recent years,” CardChronicle reported. “If Turner hadn’t been historically accurate last season, Scott Satterfield may have ended up being fired instead of having the luxury to bolt for Cincinnati.”
Turner has made 142 of 145 extra points in his three years, as well, including 38 of 39 last season. He’s been nearly automatic from short range in his career — 18 of 19 from 20 to 29 yards, 14 of 14 from 30 to 39.
It gets dicier on the longer ones, though. He’s 14-of-20 from 40 to 49 in his career, including 3 of 5 last season, and 1 for 6 from 50-plus. He didn’t attempt any in the 50s last year and his career long is 50.
Others tell us Michigan might not be done looking for kicking help in the portal. Turner doesn’t exactly have the huge leg on kickoffs. While Tommy Doman showed well there in the spring, he’s the starting punter. The Wolverines also need a backup punter, so keep an eye on that, as well.
Freshman Adam Samaha of Ann Arbor, too, will battle to compete for kicking duties as a true freshman.
Watch for more Michigan portal news in the days and weeks to come …
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