Four-Star TE Jelani Thurman commits to Ohio State

Four-star tight end Jelani Thurman of Fairburn (GA) Langston Hughes High announced his commitment to Ohio State Sunday afternoon.

The 6-foot-6, 220 pounder chose the Buckeyes over Michigan State, Auburn, and Alabama.

Jelani Thurman on why he chose Ohio State

“Personally, I really wanted to go to a place where I saw myself being able to grow and could come in and make a big difference,” Thurman said. “I loved the energy when I went up there and the people. The coaches showed me every way I could impact the team and that fits my game to a T.”

Strong bond with Ohio State coaching staff

“My relationship with the coaches are great,” Thurman said. “I talk to my TE coach every other day, and when we are not on the phone he’s probably texting me. They are all great in the building; they all make an effort to get to know you and really build a relationship with you.”

Ohio State’s plan for Thurman

“They plan to use me as a mismatch nightmare,” Thurman said. “Whenever they want to put a small guy on me, we are going to run,  when they put one of their big guys on me we are gonna kill them in the pass game!!”

Jelani Thurman Scouting Summary

“Tall, long tight end with one of the larger catch radiuses in the 2023 cycle,” On3’s Director of Scouting Charles Power wrote. “Measured at 6-foot-6, 227 pounds with a 6-foot-11 wing-span prior to his senior season. Has elite length for the position, with very long arms. The length shows up by way of the large catch radius. Has the reach to attack the ball at its highest point or scoop up low throws off the ground. Shows strong hands to finish through contact in contested situations. Makes high level grabs at a rate that is among the best of 2023 tight ends. Moves well, showing the quickness to separate though he’s still developing as a route-runner. Turned in a strong performance in 1-on-1’s at Under Armour’s Atlanta camp.”

“Also plays basketball, where he shows the ability to throw down some impressive dunks. Plays in-line at times for his high school and shows a willingness as a blocker. Needs to continue adding to his lower body strength which will aid the ability to break tackles after the catch. Both parents were professional athletes – father Odell Thurman was a linebacker at Georgia and a second round pick by the Cincinnati Bengals. Mother Kara Braxton played basketball at Georgia and went onto be a WNBA all-star.”

Thurman ranks as the No. 148 player in the On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that accounts for all four major recruiting sites. He also tabs in as the No. 10 tight end and the No.11 player in the state of Georgia.