An Arkansas commit, Haughton’s Christian Turner is a ‘5-tool player, explosive athlete’

It didn’t take much convincing to turn the head of Haughton’s Christian Turner toward the Arkansas Razorbacks.

His parents took him on a visit to Fayetteville last summer at the behest of current Razorback infielder and former Buccaneer Peyton Stovall, the 2021 Times Player of the Year. Turner barely passed the outskirts of the city when he knew Arkansas was where he wanted to play college baseball.

The 6-foot-1 junior centerfielder called Razorback coach Dave Van Horn and committed on the spot.

“We had not even made it to the campus yet, and I was telling my parents ‘I love this place,’” Turner said. “The town is beautiful. The baseball facilities are amazing and coach Van Horn has to be ranked as one of the best to ever coach college baseball.”

Clearly one of the best overall athletes in Northwest Louisiana, Turner is currently hitting .400 with eight doubles, four triples, six home runs and 32 RBIs for coach Glenn Maynor.

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“Christian is a 5-tool player. Great skills as an outfielder. He covers gap-to-gap in centerfield and runs down everything,” Maynor said. “As a hitter, he has next-level tools. He has great power as a hitter and is an excellent base runner as well.”

The speedster is also a multi-sport standout as he serves as quarterback for coach Jason Brotherton’s football team.

“Christian is an explosive athlete,” Brotherton said. “He has all the attributes you want in a quarterback. He can run, he has a strong arm, great leadership traits and will do what it takes to win.”

Turner’s signature win on the diamond came recently against Byrd in a District 1-5A showdown. The Bucs staged a rough and tumble nine-inning, come from behind 12-10 victory with Turner providing the walk-off, two-run home run.

His brush with celebrity is highlighted by former Haughton and Mississippi State quarterback Dak Prescott, currently the face of the Dallas Cowboys. And then there’s Stovall, a Razorback team captain three years removed from slapping line drives into the pines behind the Haughton outfield.

“I’ve known Peyton my whole life and he’s been a very important part of my baseball career,” Turner said. “I’ve watched him play and hit with him on several occasions. I’ve always taken what he’s told me, along with my coaches, to heart to improve my game.”

A member of the First Baptist Church of Haughton, Turner realizes his team has had some tough breaks this spring, losing several contests by a single run. But he knows what it’ll take to make a run in the upcoming playoffs.

“I’d have to say that completing games is the most important — back up our pitchers and help them defensively and offensively by putting together some timely at bats,” he said.

Turner currently plans to major in sports management at Arkansas, but he also has a backup plan.

“My dream, God willing, is to make it all the way to the big leagues,” he said.

Jimmy Watson covers Louisiana sports for the USA TODAY Network. Email him at jwatson@shreveporttimes.com and follow him on Twitter @JimmyWatson6.

Christian Turner file

His greatest fear: “Rollercoasters. I hate those things, but I have to ride them with my friends.”

Country he’d most like to visit: “I’d love to go hunting in Canada.”

Favorite subject in school: Math

Favorite movie: “Grown Ups”

Favorite food/restaurant: “Hamburgers and definitely Chipotle!”

One historical person he’d like to dine with: “Elvis Presley, I like his music.”

Favorite college or pro athlete: Peyton Stovall

Toughest opponents he’s faced: “Our district has some very good pitching. Benton has Thomas Allen and others. Airline has (Carter) White. Parkway threw some good arms with Colton Smith. NCHS threw a D1. They are all tough. It’s a challenge every game.”

Favorite article of clothing: Shoes

Person he most admires: “My mom and dad. They have both instilled in me the importance of hard work and faith.”

Habit he’d like to break: “Biting my fingernails.”

Turner’s go-to app: Instagram