Buckeyes true freshman tight end Jelani Thurman loses black stripe
COLUMBUS — True freshman Jelani Thurman has been impossible to miss during spring ball. The 6-foot-6, 253-pound Ohio State tight end has stood out not only because of his stature but also because of his pass catching ability.
That, of course, hasn’t gone unnoticed in the Woody Hayes Athletic Center. Thurman, a former four-star prospect from Langston Hughes (Fairburn, Georgia), shed his black stripe after the Buckeyes’ 11th spring practice.
“[He’s] working hard,” head coach Ryan Day said Friday, when asked why Thurman deserved the post-practice honor. “He’s out here every day. Shows toughness, kind of got banged up a little bit but continues to practice. Has a very high ceiling.”
Thurman was the second Ohio State true freshman to lose his black stripe this spring, joining wide receiver Carnell Tate. True freshman safety Malik Hartford shed his black stripe directly after Thurman, making it three early enrollees who are now “officially” Buckeyes.
For reference, only two true freshmen lost their black stripes last spring: defensive end Caden Curry and safety Kye Stokes.
Top 10
- 1Hot
Kirk Herbstreit
Shot fired at First Take, Stephen A. Smith
- 2New
Ohio State vs. Oregon odds
Early Rose Bowl line released
- 3
Updated CFP Bracket
Quarterfinal matchups set
- 4Trending
Paul Finebaum
ESPN host rips CFP amid blowout
- 5
Klatt blasts Kiffin
Ole Miss HC called out for tweets
Get the On3 Top 10 to your inbox every morning
By clicking "Subscribe to Newsletter", I agree to On3's Privacy Notice, Terms, and use of my personal information described therein.
Thurman has showed up as a receiving option for quarterbacks Kyle McCord and Devin Brown throughout March and April. He’s a big target and has been particularly effective over the middle of the field and in the red zone.
Jelani Thurman becomes second Buckeyes true freshmen to lose black stripe this spring
Sophomore offensive linemen George Fitzpatrick and Tegra Tshabola lost their black stripes the second week of this year’s spring practice, along with Ole Miss transfer cornerback Davison Igbinosun and true freshman wide receiver Carnell Tate. Oregon State transfer quarterback Tristan Gebbia and senior walk-on offensive lineman Quinton Burke shed their black stripes last week. In addition to Thurman, true freshman safety Malik Hartford received the post-practice honor, as did sophomore running back Chase Brecht.
Counting down
Buckeyes vs. Indiana: 147 days
Buckeyes vs. Michigan: 231 days
Are you subscribed yet?
Are you ready to get all your latest Ohio State news in one place? Become a member of Lettermen Row today. With your Lettermen Row/On3+ membership, you’ll not only have access to the everything that’s happening with the Buckeyes, but you’ll also be able to peruse other fan sites within the network to hear just how rivals are feeling about Ohio State, as well. Make sure to follow along on Twitter, Instagram and on Youtube for all the latest Buckeyes news you need to know.
