Michigan State linebacker Jordan Turner enters the 2025 NFL Draft as a versatile and productive prospect. Turner departs the Spartans program after recording 201 career tackles and eight sacks. The former Wisconsin transfer strung together an impressive college football career. 

Turner recently spoke exclusively with The Draft Network. Turner discussed his ability to play in coverage, which pro linebackers his game most compares to, what's on his pre-game playlist, and more.

JM: You leave college football with 201 career tackles, 23 tackles for loss, and eight sacks. What do you think it is about your game that allows you to make so many plays around the ball?

Jordan Turner: A big part of that production is the way I prepare for the game. I practice the way I play. I feel like that's the best way to ensure you're ready to perform on game day.

Our coaching staff preached that at Michigan State. Especially this past year, I really excelled in that area. I practice with a gameday mentality. I'll identify things on tape and recognize tendencies on 1st-and-10, things of that nature.

It's all about playing situational football. I study film going into matchups. That plays a big role. When it's time to get on the field, I play with intensity and I'm twitchy.

The way I prepare, I don't have to think about what to do on game day. I'm just reacting based on the preparation I've done throughout the week. 

JM: It's obvious on tape. You also have five career interceptions and a bunch of pass breakups as well. Talk to me about the ability to play in coverage. It's so important in today's game.

Jordan Turner: It's so important in today's game. Nobody is just handing the ball off to the running back 30 times a game anymore. Offenses want to create mismatches by throwing the ball in space.

I've realized throughout my entire career that I needed to get better at man and zone coverage. That's how the game has evolved. I had to become more disciplined in zone. It was about getting my eyes in the right spot. I had to get to my horizontal or vertical landmarks in coverage.

I've worked on every aspect of coverage. I also better familiarized myself with route concepts and the things that influence my coverage.

If it's 3rd-and-short, it doesn't make sense for me to drop so deep. It was the little things situationally that I worked to improve. I had to learn how to handle all of the aspects coverage brings you, while also playing together with the secondary.

JM: You worked hard on that. Would you compare yourself to any linebackers in the game today? Anyone you enjoy studying and learning from?

Jordan Turner: The first name that comes to mind is former Wisconsin Badger Zack Baun. I love the way he came out and played this year for the Philadelphia Eagles. He didn't always get the love he deserved with the New Orleans Saints.

Zack Baun had a great year. His football IQ really shines through. He can play against the run and the pass. He can rush the passer and do everything you need him to do. I loved watching him this year, especially in the Super Bowl. 

Fred Warner is another one. He's probably my favorite linebacker. He's a game wrecker. He creates so many turnovers. He really impacts the game through forced fumbles and interceptions. He creates havoc in the backfield.

I love watching Zack Baun and Fred Warner. I'm always searching for ways to implement what they do into my game. I want to have a similar impact at the next level.

JM: Those are great shouts. Now that you've had time to reflect, how do you look back on the decision to transfer from Wisconsin to Michigan State?

Jordan Turner: It was a tough decision. I had four tremendous years at Wisconsin. I got better on the field and also improved off the field. I learned a lot from those coaching staffs and teammates. I met so many great people who helped me map out my future. I made great friends that I'll have with me for the rest of my life.

It was just time for me to go a different route. I had to improve myself and take my game to another level. I became a leader and a captain at Michigan State. I had to showcase another side of me. I was a leader who tried to help my teammates reach their goals. Going back to my home state of Michigan, I always wanted to play for the Spartans growing up.

It was exciting. It was everything I wished for. We didn't win as many games as we hoped to win, but I believe we helped lay down a foundation for improvement.  I think they know what it's going to take to get there now.

I really loved both Wisconsin and Michigan State. 

JM: We love that. Fun question before we let you go. What's on Jordan Turner’s pre-game playlist?

Jordan Turner: My favorite artist is NoCap (laughs). I listen to NoCap before every game. His music gets me into a mood. Right before I head out of the tunnel, I put on some NBA Youngboy or Babyfxce E. Those two get me started (laughs). 

JM: We've appreciated your time today. Why should a team use one of their 2025 draft picks on Jordan Turner?

Jordan Turner: I'm a smart, intelligent player. I play the game with passion and heart. I'm never going to quit. I'm going to come in and impact the team however I can. I'm going to pour my all into this.

I want to help a team win a Super Bowl. I'm going to work my butt off to help the team be great.