Baylor running back commit could be ‘immediate contributor’ in 2025

Help is on the way for the Baylor backfield in the form of one of the top high school running backs in the state of Texas in the Class of 2025 after Richland High School’s Michael Turner committed to play for the Bears on July 18.

Turner’s commitment was singled out by 247Sports , where the 6-foot, 200-pound phenom was called an “immediate contributor” on the next level — he's also the highest-rated running back recruit in Baylor history.

From 247Sports: “Ready-to-play running back thanks to position-relative build and athleticism. Pushing 6 feet, 200-plus pounds with the frame space to add more mass, while retaining the short area quickness and agility that separate him from other backs in Texas and across the country. High-volume workhorse with good production in counting stats and per carry rate. Averaged 8.04 yards per carry on 300-plus rushes across sophomore and junior seasons.”

Turner showed why he’s one of the best running backs in Texas as a junior in 2023 with 1,668 rushing yards and 23 touchdowns while averaging 7.8 yards per carry. He added 16 receptions for 131 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns. He picked the Bears over offers from SMU, Arizona and Arizona State, among others.