Colorado adds a talented linebacker to its 2023 class

BOULDER — The herd grew again.

Colorado continued its heater on the recruiting trail with the addition of linebacker CJ Turner to its 2023 recruiting class. Turner, an Arkansas native, is currently Colorado’s highest-rated recruit in the class with a .89 score from the 247Sports composite.

#HerdBoyz23 Commited‼️ @IrmaTurner04 @EarlGill10 @CUBuffsFootball @coachmarksmith @k_dorrell @djbryant13 @AndyWangCU @StarCityDogs pic.twitter.com/mhO1Icp0Q1

— CJ Turner (@TheCjTurner) April 16, 2022

Turner is a 6-foot-1, 210-pound linebacker who plays both ways at Star City High School, lining up a wide receiver. His athletic ability stands out on tape. He can line up in the slot and cover receivers downfield on crossing routes. He also provides a little pop in between the tackles.

Turner is the eighth commitment in the 2023 cycle for Colorado and the first linebacker to commit. He’s ranked just out side the top 350 of national prospects. He also had offers to Memphis, Kansas and Jackson State among others.

Turner joins running back AJ Newberry, safety Adrian Wilson, edge rusher Cam Bizor, wide receiver Edward Schultz, safety Adrian Wilson, tackle Naquil Betrand, quarterback Ryan Staub and tight end Andrew Metzger in the Buffs’ 2023 class.