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.
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.
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