RECRUITING: Pioneers’ Turner regains notice, commits to Prairie View A&M

Jordan Turner could have easily fallen off any college’s recruiting radar as a senior.

But the Canyon Springs defensive tackle remained hopeful he’d be able to play after being ruled ineligible for the first three games by the Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association following his transfer from Las Vegas High.

Turner made his debut with the Pioneers in the fourth game of the season — and finished strong enough to earn a college scholarship.

Turner gave an oral commitment to Prairie View A&M on Sunday at the end of his official visit. He plans on signing with the Football Championship Subdivision school Wednesday.

“At the beginning, it was pretty hard to watch everybody play and I had to sit out because of a misunderstanding,” Turner said. “It was hard sitting out, but when I got in, I tried to make the best of it.”

Turner finished the season with 15 tackles, including five tackles and a sack in a 34-7 win at Rancho on Oct. 9. The 6-foot-1-inch, 260-pound defensive tackle helped the Pioneers finish 7-3 and reach the Sunrise Region playoffs.

“He’s a complete player. He’s a guy with versatility,” Canyon Springs coach Hunkie Cooper said. “I’m really pleased that Jordan is going to get a shot.”

Prairie View A&M, which is located in Prairie View, Texas, finished 9-1 and won the Southwestern Athletic Conference title last season.

“They’ve got a real good program there,” Turner said. “I’m looking forward to going to play some good football in Texas.”

MITCHELL OPTS FOR PRINCETON — Desert Oasis senior defensive back Elijah Mitchell said he has committed to Princeton, and will visit the school this weekend.

“I’m so blessed to have this opportunity not only to play football, but to get a great education,” said Mitchell, who also drew early interest from UNLV.

Ivy League schools do not have athletic scholarships or National Letters of Intent, but they do provide financial-need packages. He’s the second local expected to join an Ivy League program, along with Del Sol receiver/defensive back Evan Weinstock (Brown).

Mitchell said the Tigers envision him playing safety.

“They have a whole new defensive scheme,” Mitchell said. “They said I’m great at playing multiple coverages.”

The 6-foot-2, 190-pound Mitchell had 60 tackles and seven interceptions as a senior. The Diamonbacks went 7-3 and reached the Sunset playoffs in only the program’s second year.

He’s one of two Desert Oasis seniors expected to play at the college level, along with offensive lineman Cameron Jefferson (UNLV).

“I’m extremely proud, not only of myself and Cameron, but everybody,” Mitchell said. “The positive direction we have the program going in is amazing.”

DIVISION II COMMITMENTS — Seniors to make recent commitments to Division II programs include Las Vegas defensive end Trey McElhaney (Dixie State, Utah) and Cheyenne quarterback/defensive back Chris Spencer (Brevard College, N.C.).