Graham fills roles for UNR

Turner Graham is the consummate team player.

The former Bonanza High School standout has had to play several different positions, primarily in a reserve role, for the University of Nevada, Reno football team, but the 6-foot, 3-inch, 295-pound senior has maintained a selfless attitude.

"Everyone wants to play more if they're not starting, but I know I'm filling my niche in the program and contributing, so it doesn't bother me much," Graham said. "As long as I know I'm trying my hardest, the coaches will find somewhere to put me. I really don't complain about not getting playing time. I could start out of this camp, you never know."

Graham, who was an all-state offensive and defensive tackle and a state champion wrestler at Bonanza, started his career at Reno on the defensive line, but was moved to center two years ago.

Graham started the first six games of last season, in which the Wolf Pack struggled to a 2-10 record, and saw plenty of action on the offensive line overall.

"I played a lot of guard and center last year. I played in 60 to 70 percent of the games. Anytime an interior lineman, from guard to guard, came out, I'd go in," he said. "It will probably be about the same this year. I'll back up wherever I can and start if I can. I'll do my role the best I can."

With returning starting center Cody Johnson sidelined with a sprained knee, Graham was practicing as the team's starting center through the first couple weeks of training camp.

"He's been a starter at guard and he gives us a lot of versatility on the offensive line," Reno head coach Chris Tormey said. "He's shown the ability to be a starter. We're going to play our best players and he'll definitely be in the rotation. He's done a good job.

"He's worked hard, he's lost some weight and he's looked good so far. He's reliable and smart and he can play either one of the guard positions or center."

Graham has improved his speed and strength since last year and was impressed at how many of his teammates also committed themselves to the team's offseason strength and conditioning program.

"We had a lot of dedicated people here this summer -- more than in any of my five years here. It was good to see that many people," he said. "I think it will be a world of difference this year. I think we'll surprise a lot of people."

Graham said there are a couple big differences between playing on the offensive and defensive lines.

"You need to know more as a center than on the defensive line," he said. "There's also a different mentality. The offensive line is more like a brotherhood and more team-oriented."

Graham, who earned nine letters at Bonanza -- in football, wrestling and track -- and was named the football team's Most Valuable Offensive Player, was recruited by several different Division I schools, including Oregon State, the University of Utah and the University of Hawaii.

"I really am happy with my decision to attend Reno. I like it here in Reno," he said. "I think I'll stay in Reno after I graduate. I have two classes left to take and, after I graduate, I'm going to apply to medical school."

Graham, who may pursue a career as an orthopedic surgeon or become an emergency room physician, has earned the respect of both his teammates and coaches at Reno, which opens its season Sept. 1 at Brigham Young University.

"He's well-liked by all his teammates and coaches," Tormey said. "He's down to earth, he's got a good sense of humor and he's got perspective in life as well. He's a pre-med student so he's got stuff going on off the field as well as on."