Kavontae Turpin (Neville) packs a big punch for a 5-8, 151-pound athlete. According to nola.com, Turpin practically tore apart South Terrebonne in last year's 50-7 first round Class 4A rout. Turpin, the state's No. 47 senior as ranked by Rivals.com, shaved South Terrebonne's defense and special teams for 122 yards in the first quarter alone.

The three-star scored a trio of touchdowns in the opening period, with a 16-yard run, a 13-yard pass and an 89-yard punt return for Neville, which went on to compile a 12-1 record (lost 18-15 to state champ East Jeff in the playoffs). Turpin departed the South Terrebonne game at halftime after finishing with 170 yards.

Against East Jeff, he staked Neville to an early 7-0 lead with a stunning 69-yard burst that showcased elite speed. Although Neville, the number one seed, was ousted at No. 4 East Jeff, Turpin enjoyed a stellar performance with a team-leading 124 yards rushing on only 10 totes.

Since viewing Turpin's impressive junior tape, eight schools have produced scholarship offers.

"Arkansas State has been up there with showing big interest," he said. "Coach (Derrick) LeBlanc is recruiting me from Southern Miss. The PAC-10 and WAC are conferences that I'd like to get an offer from. I expect to play slotback and return kicks and punts in college. I've been timed at 4.38 in the 40-yard dash."

Turpin racked up three touchdowns as Neville cruised to an easy win over Interstate 20 rival Ruston in week one.

"I have seven touchdowns this year," he added.

His other reported offers are from Tulane, Louisiana-Monroe, Southern Miss, Appalachian State, McNeese State, Northern Illinois and South Alabama.

The versatile athlete manned several spots last year for head coach Mickey McCartey, who will rely heavily on the tandem of Turpin and Cedar Creek running back transfer Donald Jenkins if the north Monroe power plans to reach its customary spot in the state championship game in December.

Jenkins, at well over 200 pounds, is the thunder to Turpin's lightning.