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CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — Amid an offense that has otherwise left plenty to be desired, one thing has become clear: North Carolina has a game-changer at

Jelani Thurman

Inside Carolina Football

Inside Carolina

Jelani Thurman Showing Complete Skill Set in Expanded UNC Role

West Virginia ended Week 1 with a 31-24 victory over Coastal Carolina in a game that was a tale of two halves.  After the victory, some fans were

MattSieg

WV Sports Football

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How West Virginia's Week 1 performance stacked up against the Big 12

https://youtu.be/YnJIJ7inAAE?si=kM0k88PJHJw4dYit  Go inside the Film Room with Inside Carolina Xs and Os expert Jason Staples to get an inside view

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Film Room: Getting the Ball in the Hands of Jelani Thurman, UNC's Playmaker

In the new era of college football, the transfer portal has become a significant component of roster construction. Throughout the 2026 college

Top 10 transfer portal impact players of Week 11-2026 college football

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Top 10 transfer portal impact players of Week 0

On the first play of North Carolina’s 2026 season, Billy Edwards Jr. faked a draw handoff to Benjamin Hall and looked to his right after taking a

Jelani Thurman Announces Arrival as Featured UNC Weapon

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Jelani Thurman's large catch radius and basketball background remind us of Julius Thomas. Both had power forward build and skill sets as tight end prospects. 

Tall, long tight end with one of the larger catch radiuses in the 2023 cycle. 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. 

Jelani Thurman Scouting Summary

Jelani Thurman flashed his massive catch radius in his Fairburn (Ga.) Langston Hughes’ team’s win over Spartanburg (S.C.). The 6-foot-6, 225-pounder easily reached over an opposing defensive back for an outstanding high-point touchdown grab on a jump ball. We also saw Thurman play some defensive end throughout the night. He made an eye-catching play on that side of the ball, chasing the ball carrier down the line and finishing with some violence.

Jelani Thurman shows big catch radius in senior debut

Jelani Thurman was borderline dominant in 1-on-1’s during the morning session at Future 50. The 6-foot-6, 225-pounder regularly broke off what was a fairly overmatched linebacker group. Thurman was not heavily targeted in 7-on-7 action but did come down with a nice grab over the middle of the field. The Fairburn (Ga.) Langston Hughes product is a smooth mover with refined routes relative to other tight ends. Thurman is deliberate and confident as a pass catcher. His near 7-foot wing-span contributes to a large catch radius. 

Jelani Thurman a Top Performer at Under Armour Future 50

Jelani Thurman was the tallest pass catcher on hand and showed off what was likely the largest catch radius at the event. The Fairburn (Ga.) Langston Hughes product looked very comfortable running with the receivers at 6-foot-5, 225 pounds. Thurman won a number of 1-on-1 reps against defensive backs and was able to use his long arms, size and movement skills to create mismatches. 

Jelani Thurman an On3 top performer at UA Next Atlanta Camp

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