Wolverine Digest

Michigan Football Kicker James Turner Named Big Ten Special Teams Player Of The Week

After an outstanding afternoon against Ohio State, the Wolverines kicker has been named a player of the week.
Trent Knoop|
Michigan Football Kicker James Turner Named Big Ten Special Teams Player Of The Week
Michigan Football Kicker James Turner Named Big Ten Special Teams Player Of The Week

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Michigan Wolverines

Michigan fans knew what they were getting from long-time kicker Jake Moody. He was consistent, reliable, and if a pressure situation would arise -- like Illinois last season -- Moody would come through in the clutch.

Some Wolverines fans were worried about what the special teams unit might look like with Moody or Brad Robbins in 2023. 

Michigan allowed recruit Tommy Doman to take over as punter, and the Wolverines went out and brought in James Turner -- a Michigan kid -- from Louisville. 

And it paid dividends. 

Turner kicked three clutch field goals in a 30-24 win over Ohio State on Saturday and he was named Big Ten Special Teams Player of the Week. 

Tuner kicked a 50-yarder, that tied his career-long, with 11:43 left in the third quarter to put Michigan up seven. He then kicked a 37-yard FG early in the fourth quarter to give the Wolverines a 10-point lead. Then finally, Turner kicked a 37-yard field goal to put Michigan up six with 1:05 left in the game. 

It was quite an outstanding day for Mr. Turner. 

Here are some tidbits from the Big Ten's press release:

Special Teams Player of the WeekJames Turner, MichiganK – Gr. – Ann Arbor, Mich. – Saline

  • Converted field goals of 37, 38 and 50 yards, tying his season and Michigan career-best with the 50-yard field goal, his second field goal made of 50-plus yards this season
  • Set a new Michigan best with 12 points
  • Last Michigan Special Teams Player of the Week: Jake Moody (Nov. 20, 2022)

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Trent Knoop
TRENT KNOOP

Trent began writing and covering Michigan athletics back in 2020. He became a credentialed member of the media in 2021. Trent began writing with Sports Illustrated in 2023 and became the Managing Editor for Michigan Wolverines On SI during the 2025 football season. Trent also serves as the Publisher of Baylor Bears on SI. His other bylines have appeared on Maryland on SI, Wisconsin on SI, and across the USA TODAY Sports network. Trent’s love of sports and being able to tell stories to fans is what made him get into writing.

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