Dogs’ A.J. Turman having busy spring after long layoff
Georgia tailback A.J. Turman hasn’t played in a real football game since his senior season of high school in 2012. To him, it seems even longer.
“It feels like forever,” Turman said. “I just can’t wait to play in a game next (season).”
He was redshirted as a UGA freshman in 2013 and was sidelined all of the 2014 season after sustaining a foot injury last spring that required surgery.
Turman is back on the field this spring. He said he feels 100 percent healthy, finally. He’s getting increased reps because of injuries to fellow tailbacks Sony Michel (shoulder) and Keith Marshall (hamstring) and the coaches’ decision to severely limit No. 1 tailback Nick Chubb’s participation in scrimmages.
“I’m trying to use every opportunity the best I can,” Turman said. “… It feels great being out there once again.”
According to UGA, Turman had 140 yards rushing and two touchdowns (including a 40-yarder) on 22 carries with the second-team offense in a closed scrimmage last weekend.
“Last year was hard, I’m not going to lie. That was the hardest year,” Turman said. “The redshirt year was hard at first, but I got into the playbook and learned the plays. Then I got the injury. I’m ready to bounce back.”
About the Author
Tim Tucker, a long-time AJC sports reporter, often writes about the business side of the games. He also had stints as the AJC's Braves beat writer, UGA beat writer, sports notes columnist and executive sports editor. He was deputy managing editor of America's first all-sports newspaper, The National Sports Daily.
