By Jerry Hill
Baylor Bear Insider
 
In a relationship that goes back at least three years, Baylor redshirt sophomore safety Tyler Turner said he "knows what to expect" from defensive coordinator and safeties coach Matt Powledge.
 
"I kind of know who he is as a person, his family and where he comes from – his story, his background," Turner said. "I kind of know what to expect from him, and I know how to go about my relationship with him."
 
Their "special connection" began during Turner's senior season at San Antonio Brennan High School, where he was the unanimous Defensive MVP for District 29-6A.
 
"He's always been in contact with my mom. He was my first offer in high school," Turner said. "I committed to Baylor, and then when he went to Oregon (after the 2021 season), I went to Oregon. I went over there with him, signed, and then he left and came back here right around the bowl game."
 
After playing 17 games in two seasons at Oregon and helping the Ducks to an undefeated regular season last year, Turner entered the transfer portal and was reunited with Powledge this past spring.
 
"I was over there two years, but it was good to get back with him," said the 6-foot, 197-pound Turner, a projected starter at safety along with returner Devyn Bobby and former Western Kentucky transfer Kendrick Simpkins. "It's always been kind of a special connection with Coach Powledge as a mentor. So, it's been good to get back and finally get coached by him."
 
Part of a transfer class that brought in 14 defensive players, Turner had to take on an even more significant role when Northwestern transfer Devin Turner suffered an ACL injury on the last play of spring drills. Devin, who will have another year of eligibility, played in 33 games with 27 starts in three seasons in the Big Ten and was a clear frontrunner for one of the safety spots.
 
"I feel great fitting in with it," Tyler Turner said. "I have some experience in these types of defenses and running these coverages and stuff like that. It's been a journey getting them down and learning them all and the word association and all that. But it's been a good journey. . . . I feel like I've got every tool in my toolkit needed to go out there and succeed on Saturdays."
 
Bobby, one of just two returning starters in the secondary, said Turner has "taken advantage" of the opportunity he's been given.
 
"I'm glad to play alongside him. He's a great addition to the safety room," Bobby said. "And he's going to be able to make a lot of plays, I can tell you that right now."
 
A second-team Freshman All-American in 2023, Bobby has totaled 61 tackles with four interceptions, eight pass breakups and two fumble recoveries in his first two seasons at Baylor.
 
"I can improve in a lot of areas. Nobody's perfect," he said. "I can get better (covering the slot). I can improve my tackling, I can improve my hands, I can improve my football IQ. Like I said, there's a lot that I can get better at. I'm getting better each and every day."
 
Simpkins, granted a sixth year of eligibility after suffering an injury in last year's Big 12 opener at Colorado, said the defense "can take a big jump with turnovers" this season.
 
"Just attacking the ball, interceptions, forced fumbles, however the ball comes, that's how we can improve," said Simpkins, who totaled 120 tackles, 7 ½ sacks, eight QB hurries, one interception and five forced fumbles in four years at Western Kentucky.
 
The Bears also expect to improve in head coach Dave Aranda's second season as the defensive play-caller.
 
"It will definitely make a difference, him being more comfortable, us being more comfortable," Simpkins said. "Us knowing what he likes, him knowing who he has. I feel like it's been great coming into year two with everybody being more comfortable and knowing what to expect."
 
Also making a push for playing time in a deep and talented safety room is Kris Wokomah, a redshirt freshman from Arlington Bowie.
 
"He's improved a lot since he's been here," Bobby said of Wokomah. "Every day, he comes in, puts his head down, he's grinding all season. He's always finding a way to get better. He brings excitement to the team, and he wans to knock somebody's head off. That's Kris."
 
Since coming to Baylor last year and getting to play in two games, Wokomah said the thing he's learned the most is "just how to be a pro."
 
"I watch these guys every day and how they go about their business," he said. "I just look at those guys and just follow in their footsteps."
 
After a day off on Sunday, the Bears will return to the practice field Monday afternoon in preparation for the Aug. 29 season opener at McLane Stadium in a nationally televised matchup against Auburn. For season-ticket or single-game options, go to the link at 2025 Baylor Football Tickets.