LOS ANGELES Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Kobie Turner understands the assignment for this season. Turner, nicknamed "The Conductor" for his musical acumen, is the defensive co-captain for a team that's not only considered the heavy favorite to win the Super Bowl, but also on one of the most talented rosters assembled in recent years. How will Turner handle those high expectations? What does he make of playing alongside the otherworldly Myles Garrett and the possibility of playing again with future Hall of Famer Aaron Donald? I asked Turner those questions and more following one of the Rams' first training camp practices as the standout defensive tackle looks to play a big role in Los Angeles' run for a Lombardi Trophy this season. [Read more: The 100 People Who'll Shape The Upcoming NFL Season] What was your focus this offseason after the way things ended last year? Turner: Its always continuing to get better. Getting some footwork training in, making sure my hands are continuing to be sharp, continuing to understand the game and let those opportunities come to me. Really, each offseason is about getting faster and stronger. And then I did a lot of vision training too, being able to see the game early. The more that I can see things that connect my eyes to my hands and my hands to my body, the more Ill be able to start faster. Vision training sounds different. Whats that like? Turner: They have these goggles that blink for short periods of time, and then you can turn them up and have them blink for longer periods of time, catching bean bags and calling which color and which color corresponds to your hand. And these three-color sticks will have blue, red and yellow. And then another one will have white, black and green on it, or something like that. They throw random sticks, and you have to call out a specific color as you catch the stick while I have on the goggles. It's just little stuff like that, because when it comes down to the trenches, obviously its a lot of violence, just getting off the rock and running into people. But its so technical, and the more your eyes can see, the better off youll be. It's just being able to see things clearly and locking in my eyes. Especially on the first day, your eyes are going to be out of whack with everyone flying around. But the more you can focus your eyes in on what youre seeing and the more you can use film study to be able to anticipate what youre going to see, that helps. Have you changed your weight at all? Turner: Ive been within a 10-pound range since Ive been here. Ive always been staying within a 290 to 300-pound range. And I feel really comfortable playing there. What was your initial reaction when you heard about the Myles Garrett trade? Turner: It was a very hard day. Obviously, Jared Verse is one of our brothers and a very good teammate. So that was a tough thing to process. But then you get the opportunity to work with a generational talent, a guy who just broke the sack record and more than anything, is just a good guy. Now we're finally getting a chance to work with each other, me being able to get reps in camp and him being able to get reps in camp, were going to continue to build up that camaraderie so we can rush four as one. Its obviously exciting times when youre able to work with one of the best in the world. Anything thats surprised you with Garrett being out on the field since hes been here? Turner: I didnt really have too many expectations. Ive been following his journey a little bit and his personality too, and he always just seemed like a down-to-earth guy. So, Im just continuing to get to know him. I dont think theres been too much thats surprised me. To be able to get to that caliber of player, you have to put in the work daily. And obviously thats something hes been able to do. Hes a talented individual, but he works hard, so I have a lot of appreciation for that. And Im just continuing to learn from him. Along with Garrett, you added significant pieces on defense with cornerbacks Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson. How do you handle high expectations for the defense? Turner: Its the same story as always, right? We have to be inside-out more than ever. Before, it was people not really believing in us. I remember coming in my rookie year in 2023 and nobody thought we could do too much of anything, and we went and showed the world differently. So, its always been about being inside-out. We know we have a lot of returning guys from last year, but its also a different group. So, thats what training camp is for, being able to build that rapport and that camaraderie, but also being able to continue to lock in. But really, a lot of our returning guys whether it be from last year or before weve built up the work. We know the mental toughness that it requires. We know the resiliency that it requires, so it will be continuing to put that on display. The outside world doesnt matter. The last time I checked, nobody won a Super Bowl in July. Its the NFL, man. Nobody is walking out there winning a Super Bowl or winning however many games. Expectations dont really mean anything. Its about what we do day in and day out, putting ourselves in position to take advantage of each opportunity we have on Sundays or I guess every day of the week since were playing every day of the week (laughs). What was your reaction to losing the NFC Championship Game to the Seahawks in Seattle? Turner: When I tore my calf, really during that time when I was trying to see if I could go back on the field, thats when I processed all the hurt of, Man, Im not playing in this game. And when the finality of the game hit, it obviously took awhile to process that our season was over. We really thought we could go win the whole thing last year, and we really believed that we were a couple plays away, but thats what this league is. But I also remember something I felt so strongly was just the gratitude of the journey that wed been on. We talk about so often the process and the journey. Taking time to pay attention to each and every step. And thats what you remember. You dont always remember the outcome of specific games. But you remember the guys that you were with and the journey you went on. And then weve got that rivalry with the Seahawks. Weve got them two times this year, two times to go against last years Super Bowl champions. Thats going to be a super-exciting two games, and another opportunity to show why we believe were the best in the world, and go put that on display just by being more inside-out than ever and putting in the daily deposits thats going to lead us to success when it comes game time. You mention the calf injury. Im assuming you're fully healthy since youre out here on the field? Turner: Yes, Im feeling great. I would be remiss if I didnt ask about Aaron Donalds potential return. You had an opportunity to play with him as a rookie and know what that looks like. What are your thoughts on the possibility of playing with him again? Turner: Hes a guy whos taken me under his wing, obviously, my rookie year and even after that. Hes provided me with so many connections with people I feel have influenced me and helped me perfect my craft. He's such a solid dude and good friend. Obviously, the possibility of him coming back out is really exciting to me. I remember when my rookie season ended and we were at the Lions, I felt back then that I really wanted to bring home a [Super] Bowl for him. And at that time I was just a rookie; I really didnt know what the work looked like and what was required. But I was willing to put in the work. And here we are as a team a little more experienced. So, it would be a great opportunity [to have Donald return]. Your guess is as good as mine. But hes a guy who works hard. Hes the right type of guy. That possibility is super exciting, and Im also super excited with this team as we have it. However it shakes out, Im excited for the journey were going on with these guys. A lot of people have talked about Donalds impact on game days, but what would it mean for your group having him at the facility every day? Turner: Nothing can compare to his career. Its a storied career, but I just think about personally how much he helped me out. The confidence that was instilled in my rookie year, being able to work alongside him. He put me in contact with Poodie (Rams defensive line trainer Albert "Poodie" Carson). Ive been working with him ever since. Im super excited about the possibility. But this type of thing doesnt work with this type of team without somebody being as great on the field as he is off the field. If that does happen, that would be a reason why its successful."