The world of college football recruiting is a cold one. Programs on the rise or competing with bigger brands have to scrap for each commitment, especially high-level recruits. But sometimes, the rich just get richer. That sentiment applies to star tight end Jelani Thurman committing to the Ohio State Buckeyes over Michigan State.
Thurman was long expected to land in East Lansing, but the Buckeyes have seemingly swooped in at the last second. As a Big Ten conference rival, the decision probably stings for the Spartans. The question that remains is: How did the Buckeyes pull it off? Thurman opened up to 247Sports' Andrew Ivens about his commitment.
“When they came in late, they knew what to come with,” Thurman explained. “They made up time. They explained to me how I just needed to come up there and showed me how they want to use me if I were to go there and I feel like that’s the way that I already play.”
It seems like the Buckeyes were the perfect fit for Thurman, and the connection just needed to be made. He took a visit last month and things moved quickly from there. Thurman repeatedly mentioned that he feels he can thrive in OSU's system, stating “They know if they got a dog, they going to find a way to get you the ball.”
The 6-foot-five-inch, 230 pound athletic tight end will certainly compliment the Buckeyes' pass-heavy offense, but he will have to share touches as part of the number-one ranked 2023 recruiting class with three top-10 ranked wideouts, but he doesn't seem particularly bothered.
“We got four dogs, so we all going to eat.”
Thurman still has another year before he arrives in Columbus, but things are looking really good for the Buckeyes offense.
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