His talent is undeniable and his desire is beyond question.
Jelani Thurman has everything it takes to be a star tight end for Ohio State.
But talent and determination are just the prerequisites for success. It takes consistency, and that’s exactly what Thurman is striving for in his second season at Ohio State.
Thurman, the son of former Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Odell Thurman and two-time WNBA champion Kara Braxton, already looks the part. He’s 6’6″ and 250 pounds, with explosive speed and huge hands.
“With these gloves you can either catch something or block something,” he said Tuesday with a smile that he often flashes.
This tantalizing talent is what the Buckeyes want to bring out in him.
“Jelani Thurman is someone we need to continue to improve,” Ohio State coach Ryan Day said last week. “He has the ability. He’s competitive. I love being on the court with him. He just has a great personality. He’s learning how to continue to finish.”
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Day said Thurman made such an impressive play in practice that he showed it to the whole team, but he’s still working on repeating it over and over again.
“At this level, consistency is the key,” Thurman said. “If you can’t do it every play and every down, you’re not going to make it at this level. At Ohio State, we have to make sure everyone does their job. I work every day on being consistent and just knowing what I need to do, how I need to do it and why I need to do it.”
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With Cade Stover, a long-time NFL starter, reps are within reach. Fifth-year senior Gee Scott is the favorite for the starting spot, with Will Kacmarek, who transferred from Ohio, and Bennett Christian among those in the running.
But Thurman has the greatest star potential.
“Through the roof,” said senior safety Lathan Ransom. “For a guy his size, who can move like he can, the sky’s the limit.”
“It was special to watch him. Watching him play now is exciting. He’s an unlikely opponent, a guy who has his size and reach.”
Thurman played in five games last year while going through the typical growing pains of a freshman. He admitted he didn’t learn the playbook as quickly as he should have. Thurman had just two catches, both against Michigan State.
Tight end is a particularly challenging position for a young player at Ohio State because, as Day put it, he’s expected to run routes like a receiver, block like a lineman and protect passes like a running back. It just takes time to develop.
Scott shared a room with Thurman in training camp this year and last year, with the veteran taking on the task of pushing the young man.
“I did that a lot more in his freshman year,” Scott said. “I feel like every two seconds, every time I turned around, I wanted to correct him and get him in the right position. But he’s making steps in the right direction and I’m proud to see his development.”
Thurman has put on more than 20 pounds of muscle since joining last year, which he said has helped him as a blocker without sacrificing his athleticism as a pass receiver.
Now it’s Thurman’s time to realize his great potential. Day’s quote was read to him, and he actually smiled.
“It’s inspiring,” Thurman said. “He basically calls your number. When your number is called, make the move.”
“Coach Day loves me. I love the team. He loves the team. When he picks you and lets you know he needs you, that’s all that needs to be said.”
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This article originally appeared in the Columbus Dispatch: Ohio State TE Thurman seeks consistency to make a name for himself
