The Los Angeles Rams have embraced the youth movement on defense this season, with many of their starters having little in the way of experience.
In this youth movement, one standout has been defensive tackle Kobie Turner, a third-round rookie out of Wake Forest. Turner, 24, has only started four of the Rams' 11 games this season, but he has cemented himself has a key part of the defensive line rotation. It also helps that he's coming off the best game of his young career, recording two sacks in a 37-14 win over the Arizona Cardinals to double his total on the season.
In the days following the game, Rams players and coaches have raved about the rookie's impact so far.
“He’s just playing with confidence, being productive, flying around, playing fast, doing all the things you want to see as a young player or a player period," star defensive tackle Aaron Donald told reporters. "I think he's just playing some good football right now. He plays hard and he finds a way to get to the ball.”
While Turner only recently had his breakout game, he's had his coaches' eyes for a long time now. On Thursday, defensive coordinator Raheem Morris noted how Turner's football IQ stood out right away.
"He was one of the few guys that picked it up right away and knew what was happening and why it was going on," Morris told reporters. "He was the guy answering all the questions until you get to the point where you tell him to be quiet and let some other people answer the questions. Right away you recognize this kid has got something else. He’s a little bit extra and you were elated by that."
When Turner does make a big play, he makes it known with his signature "conductor" celebration, taken from his nickname in college. With his recent play, his teammates expect to see that celebration quite often.
“It's him. It's a little long I think but that's his signature man," Donald said. "As long as he keeps making plays it is going to grow and become something big for him. For me, I'll be trying to give you five, I have to wait an extra 20 seconds. But as long as you keep making those plays, we are fine with it.”
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