Full Circle: “Ben Turner’s Journey Back to the Herd”

From a kid in the stands to a playmaker on the field, Turner’s homecoming is more than just football—it’s personal.

When Ben Turner was just a kid, Saturdays in Huntington meant one thing—Marshall football. Sitting just behind the Herd’s home bench with his family, he wasn’t just watching the game—he was dreaming. Dreaming of one day wearing that jersey, running out of the tunnel, and hearing the thunderous roar of Herd Nation behind him.

Years later, after a standout high school career at Spring Valley and a critical period of growth at West Liberty University, Turner has come full circle. Now donning the Kelly green he grew up admiring, he’s not just chasing dreams—he’s living them.

Q: Let’s start at the beginning—what was your childhood like growing up in the Huntington area, and when did football first become a part of your life?

Ben Turner: I first started playing football when I was 5 years old, and I’ve been going to Marshall football games since I was a baby. My family had season tickets behind the home bench, so I grew up watching the Herd. It’s been a part of me my whole life.

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Q: Who were some of your early influences, whether family members or athletes, that helped shape your love for the game?

Ben: Definitely my mom and dad. They always promoted hard work and discipline. I was also really impacted by some Herd legends like Aaron Ferguson and Matt Downey, who actually trained me all through high school. And I always loved watching Tommy Shuler—he was special.

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Q: Looking back on your time at Spring Valley High School, what are some of your favorite memories, and how did that program prepare you for the next level?

Ben: The culture at Spring Valley was top-tier. Everything was run like a college program. We had 6 AM weights Monday through Friday, year-round. It definitely prepared us. My favorite memory is beating Martinsburg—twice. That was huge for us.

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Q: Spring Valley is known for producing tough, hard-nosed players. How did that shape your development as a wide receiver?

Ben: It definitely took some time. For most of my high school career, we were a run-first offense. But my senior year, we opened things up and spread it out more. That helped me realize how much I loved playing WR and that I wanted to grow in that role.

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Q: You went on to play at West Liberty University. What was your experience like there, and how did it help shape you as a player?

Ben: West Lib was great to me. Coming out of high school, I needed to develop more as a wide receiver, and Coach JB—our WR coach—really helped me get to that next level. He taught me how to win against any DB. I grew a ton there, and their academics were solid too.

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Q: What led to your decision to return home and join the Marshall football program? Was playing for the Herd always the dream?

Ben: 100%. After last season, I entered the portal and knew that Marshall was where I wanted to end up. With the coaching change, it was tough to get in touch at first. But once I got a text inviting me to tour the facility, everything fell into place. The rest is history.

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Q: How does it feel being back in the Huntington community—playing close to home, family, and friends?

Ben: It feels amazing. I go home for dinner all the time now—something I couldn’t do the last few years. I run into people I know on campus almost every day. And my sister just joined the Marshall softball team, so I see her in the weight room too. This place is home, and I couldn’t be happier to be back.

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Q: For Herd fans who haven’t seen you play yet, how would you describe your playing style and what you bring to the wide receiver room?

Ben: I’d say I’m reliable, fast, and dynamic. I’ve played just about every skill position in college—inside WR, outside WR, H-back, running back, punt returner, kick returner, even holder. I’m a vertical threat and I bring experience and big-play ability to the WR room.

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Q: What have you been working on the most this offseason, and what kind of impact are you hoping to make this fall?

Ben: I’ve been really focused on sharpening my route running. Our strength staff did an awesome job with us this summer, and I feel ready to go heading into camp. I want to be a consistent contributor and a leader on this team.

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Q: When you look back on your journey—from a little kid in Huntington to now suiting up for the Herd—what does it mean to you? And what message do you hope your story sends to young athletes?

Ben: Honestly, I’m still in shock that I’m here. I’m beyond thankful to Coach Gibson for bringing me home. This has been the most special and rewarding experience of my life. I hope younger athletes know that just because a school doesn’t recruit you out of high school, it doesn’t mean the dream is over. Keep grinding. Stay positive. It’s all about timing.

Ben Turner’s return to Marshall is more than a transfer—it’s a homecoming years in the making. It’s a story of grit, growth, and God’s perfect timing. For the kid who once sat behind the bench dreaming, it’s now time to shine on the field he grew up idolizing.

Turner isn’t just back—he’s ready to contribute, to lead, and to remind every young athlete in the Tri-State area that sometimes, the road to your dreams takes a few detours. But when it’s meant to be, the path always leads home.

Welcome back, Ben. Herd Nation is behind you. 💚

Go Herd!