Dec. 20, 2000

UNLV wide receiver Nate Turner participated in a chat that CBS SportsLine.com ran on Tuesday morning, Dec. 20, 2000. He talked about his season, going to a bowl, and much more. Read about it below.

Nate Turner: Hello Rebel Fans! Welcome to the UNLV chat with me... Nate Turner!

Question: siteman: What does it mean to you to play the bowl game in your schools hometown of Las Vegas?

Nate Turner: It means a lot. I like playing our stadium. I feel comfortable playing there.. it is on grass as opposed to Hawaii which is turf. The fans are supportive and they know me in Vegas. It lets my family come and see me play, which they couldn't if it was much farther from California.

Question: turnerman: How important was it to the team to qualify for a Bowl before the season? Did knowing it hadn't happened since 1994 add more pressure to that goal?

Nate Turner: No.. at the beginning of the season, personally, I didn't pay attention to the last time we went to a bowl. I just knew I wanted to experience the Bowl environment before leaving UNLV. I think we had a good shot at it coming into the season.

Question: unlvstudnt: Nate, you guys have been practicing all week...how has that gone and is everyone pretty much at the top of their game and ready to go?

Nate Turner: Yeah... I think that because we have been practicing, it lets us get in rhythm with our scheme. We had a bit of time off since Hawaii and it lets us get the rust off.. especially the QBs and receivers.

Question: siteman: How do the Rebels match-up with the Razorbacks?

Nate Turner: I think that skill position wise we outmatch them. QBs, RBs, WRs, DBs.. But it is all going to come down to the coaching scheme and the execution of plays. If we execute and take advantage of mistakes we will come out on top. We match-up evenly otherwise. They are a good team and we will meet them eye-to-eye and anticipate a war. A battle.

Question: turnerman: What's it like playing for John Robinson?

Nate Turner: It's great! You get a chance to be a part of a legacy and hopefully you can be one of his great players. Like he compares me to Keyshawn Johnson. I like to be one of those long lines of receivers he has had.. like Morton and Conway. He is a first class coach and a funny guy. A great guy.

Question: pavol: Which one of the games this year do you consider your best?

Nate Turner: Statistically I had a good day at San Diego State, 11 passes for 160 yards and a TD. But most memorable would be the New Mexico game where I caught the winning TD with 18 seconds left to extend our chances for post season play.

Question: big_worm: I always ask every player this one worst weather you played in?

Nate Turner: I have played in some fairly good weather. The worst would be during our spring camp when it is 120 degrees out there. For the most part we have had good weather. BYU and Colo. State were cold. Other than that we have been fortunate to have good weather.

Question: sybil: What part of your game improved the most over your college career?

Nate Turner: I would say my awareness as a veteran in collegiate sports. To be specific, when I first got here coach wanted me to run fast throughout everything I do on the field. That is what I focused on this year.. running fast and trying to keep the defense honest. Last year a lot of teams keyed on me. They say if I was jogging off the line, they would think I wasn't getting it or it was a run play. But now running hard and being that detailed has helped me have a better statistical season this year as compared to last year.

Question: mmrebel: What do you like most about playing at Sam Boyd?

Nate Turner: I like the fans. I like that we are undefeated so far there. I like the grass there and definitely like the end zones. I am starting to make friends with the end zones. And I love that I don't have to get on a plane and fly many miles to get home. Then you are so tired you don't want to do anything! I am sick of plane rides, especially after that Hawaii game!

Question: siteman: How did you get started writing Nate's Notes and do you have any desire to continue as a writer after you graduate?

Nate Turner: First of all, our Sports Information guys introduced the idea to me. It sounded like a good idea so we started to do Nate's Notes. Yes I do plan on continuing a journal. It won't be called Nate's Notes anymore but Team Turner. That is later.. next year. Look for that to break through!

Question: ecwfan: So Mr.Turner do you have dreams of a pro career?

Nate Turner: Of course! I have always had dreams of playing football. Whoever was hot when I was young, that is who I wanted to imitate. I grew up watching the 49ers and am still a huge Niners fan. I watched Jerry Rice and John Taylor. Then Deion Sanders hit the scene and everyone wanted to be him! But yeah I had dreams ever since Pop Warner. And I am kind of close to my dream and it feels great.

Question: rebelrobb: What NFL team would you like to play for? I hope the Raiders.

Nate Turner: If I had a choice, then sure I would love to play up north. Funny you say that.. the Raiders would be my second choice. After the 49ers. But I don't have a choice! I don't think I will have a choice.. I will play for anybody so it doesn't matter :-)

Question: mushi: Who do you think will take your place next year? MJ, t-mas, bobby, pookie(charles)?

Nate Turner: They are in the recruiting process right now and I think the coaches are trying to find someone similar to my size and ability. If they come short of that they already have great WRs at UNLV who will get a wonderful opportunity to play the Z position. That is where the majority of passes go.. the slot receiver. Michael Johnson has a chance to be one of the greats to come for UNLV. He is competitive and works hard and has a great personality. Anybody could very well play that position, given the opportunity. I was fortunate to be given that chance. Next year I think Troy Mason will continue on the opposite side at the X. Charles James will be back.. He has the deep ability.. can run by guys and get the passes. Bobby Nero should do well too. I think coach is leaning toward Bobby more than Michael at the Z position because of seniority. Bobby will be a senior next year. So I think it will be Bobby Nero's position to lose if anything. That is just my observation and I don't know how that will go.. it is all up to the coaches.

Question: turnerman: You're known as a clutch wide receiver, how do you stay so focused with a big play on the line?

Nate Turner: Coach Robinson has put me in these positions a number of times. I have always wanted to be the go to guy, the clutch player. Even if you think about basketball.. there are 4 seconds left. Every kid in every gym in the country does the countdown.. .4..3..2..1 and shoots at the last second. He practices that. That is how I am. I practice catching with no time left. I visualize the play before it happens. When the game is on the line it is like second nature. I am focused. It is important when they go to me .. but my whole attitude is like It's about time! You should have been going to me!

Question: rickh: I heard John Robinson brings a lot of his former players in to talk to you guys. What kind of effect does that have one you?

Nate Turner: It has a really huge effect on us. We realize that these guys are human and that they are touchable. Not just guys you see on TV and you can never ever get to meet. For instance, Joe Montana came to speak to us. He was one of the all time great QBs. Just being able to meet Joe Montana in person makes you realize that this is the big time and you have to consider yourself one of the elite. That is the kind of effect it has, as opposed to being a fan like I was when I was a kid. My hopes and dreams are altered a bit. Now I can see the picture clearer.. I can see me in situations like Joe Montana. He had a chance to play in the NFL and I might too. To play big time games and someday maybe a kid will look up to me and say "Wow.. that's Nate Turner!"

Question: unlvstudnt: Nate...what's it going to come down to tomorrow and how much difference does having us (loud students) there make?

Nate Turner: It is going to come down to time of possession, ball control, game tempo, and obviously the crowd. Our fans will play a big part in helping to keep the Rebels pumped up. In Vegas there are plenty of tickets left. Get them now and come support us and beat Arkansas. If you sit in the end zone I will come up and do the Lambeau Leap when we win!

Question: china: If you leave any words of encouragement to the under classmen what will it be and why?

Nate Turner: Take Nothing for granted. Because there is always someone worse off than you.

Nate Turner: Thanks for coming today! Farewell and see you at the next level! GO REBS!