KaVontae Turpin, WR-PR-KR, Texas Christian #25
5081, 157, 4.33
Notes: From Monroe, LA. Saw action in all 13 games with 5 starts as a freshman in 2015, catching 45 passes for 649 yards (14.4 avg.), 8 touchdowns and a long of 86 yards, rushed for 116 yards on 20 carries (5.8 avg.), averaged 27.0 on 27 kickoff returns, 10.6 on 17 punt returns with 1 touchdown and completed 1-of-2 passes for 18 yards. Played in 8 games with 2 starts, battling injury throughout the season, catching 30-295-1 (9.8 avg.) with a long of 57, rushed 9-84, averaged 28.4 on 17 kickoff returns and 12.5 on 10 punt returns, including an 81-yard TD in 2016. Played in all 14 games with 3 starts, caught 41-394-1 (9.6 avg.), rushed 11-86-2, averaged 30.8 and 1 TD on 15 kickoff returns, averaged 16.3 and 1 TD on 16 punt returns, and completed 2-of-2 passes for 68 yards and 1 TD, in 2017. Involved in an off-field "domestic" incident in Las Cruces, New Mexico in March 2018, in which he was arrested on multiple charges including battery against a woman, believed to be his girlfriend. He pleaded not guilty to the battery charge, as and a charge for criminal damage to the property of a household member (under $1,000). Turpin also faced a charge of interference with communications from that arrest. Turpin failed to appear for a July 16 pre-trial hearing in July 2018, and judge issued a bench warrant for his arrest the following day. Played in first 7 games of 2018; caught 29-410-3 (14.1 avg.), averaged 19.4 with 1 TD on 9 punt returns, 26.0 and 1 TD on 12 kickoff returns, rushed 4-32, and was 0-1 with an interception passing. Set a TCU record for special teams touchdowns in a career with five (4 punt returns, 1 kickoff return). Turpin was dismissed from the TCU team in October 2018 after being arrested on a charge of assault of the same woman as the previous incident, who said she had been in a relationship with Turpin for five years. The legal charge was a Class A misdemeanor and, if convicted, Turpin could face up to one year in prison and a $4,000 fine.
Positives: Natural athlete. Dynamic, multi-purpose offensive chess piece. Absolutely electric return specialist. Outstanding vision and cutting ability. Catches the ball well. Very effective on reverses. Extremely dangerous in the open field after the catch. Elite speed. A threat to make a big play anytime he touches the ball.
Negatives: Very small and has limitations as a receiver as a result. Major character concerns.
Summary: Diminutive, but talented football player. However, his legal issues with domestic violence issues against women will likely keep him from being drafted, and could hinder his NFL opportunities.
