Semaj Turner

Duke defensive end Semaj Turner makes a run towards the quarterback at Syracuse on September 27, 2025, in a 38-3 Blue Devil victory.

Photo by: Duke Athletics

Photo by: Nat LeDonne / Duke Athletics

Position:
Defensive End
Height:
6-3
Class:
Redshirt Sophomore
Hometown:
Winston-Salem, N.C.

2026: Returning defensive end … 2025 Academic All-ACC selection … in 16 career games, has recorded nine tackles and one QB pressure … compiled a career-high three tackles against NC State in 2025 … recorded first QB pressure versus Arizona State in the 2025 Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl … has played 182 career snaps.

2025: Academic All-ACC selection … experienced action in 13 games, missing just the season opener versus Elon … registered six tackles and one QB pressure … tallied a year-high three stops against NC State and one each versus Illinois, California and Connecticut … credited with a QB pressure versus Arizona State in the Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl … on the field for 151 snaps.

2024: Did not see game action.

2023: Recipient of the team’s defensive scout team player of the year award ... appeared in three games against Lafayette, Northwestern and Connecticut … recorded three tackles … notched a season-high two tackles against Northwestern and added one versus Connecticut … on the field for 31 snaps ... enrolled at Duke in January 2023.

PRIOR TO DUKE: Lettered four seasons at Ronald Wilson Reagan under head coach Josh McGee … rated a three-star prospect by ESPN.com, 247Sports.com and Rivals.com … listed as the No. 59 strongside defensive end in the country by Rivals.com … charted as the No. 21, No. 21, and No. 25 prospect from the state of North Carolina according to ESPN.com, Rivals.com and 247Sports.com, respectively … during final two seasons, compiled 165 tackles, 26.0 TFL, 32.0 sacks and one caused fumble … helped Ronald Wilson Reagan to a 28-14 ledger and three playoff appearances … two-time team captain and defensive MVP … as a junior, named Central Piedmont 4A Defensive Player of the Year after setting school record with 17.5 sacks … participated in the 2021 Adidas National Combine, earning first team honors at the event … a 2022 Shrine Bowl selection as a senior … first team all-state and all-area honoree.

PERSONAL: Double majoring in cultural anthropology and African & African American studies ... son of Darrell and Cleopatra Turner.