Ryan Day gives glowing review of a player that is ready to break out for Ohio State

It is really tough to have a role as a freshman right end in college football let alone at a program like Ohio State. After a year in the program, the Buckeyes do have a tight end that is ready to break out and it seems to be just a matter of time. Sophomore Jelani […]

Brandon Little — Ohio State Buckeyes & Cleveland Browns News Writer
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It is really tough to have a role as a freshman right end in college football let alone at a program like Ohio State.

After a year in the program, the Buckeyes do have a tight end that is ready to break out and it seems to be just a matter of time.

Sophomore Jelani Thurman knows as well as anyone that there is an adjustment period to becoming a player ready to contribute as an Ohio State tight end.

"His ability to be coached, he keeps playing the next play, he doesn't let the last play affect him,” head coach Ryan Day said on Tuesday. “His attention to detail has been better. He's locked in, he's got questions, he's got answers. If he can keep building on that and keep growing, the sky is the limit for him."

Thurman has as good of a chance as anyone to break out on this roster. Neither Gee Scott nor transfer Will Kacmarek have separated themselves as a difference maker. Currently, backup tight end Bennett Christian is the leading tight end with one catch that went 55 yards for a touchdown.

Over 6-foot-5, Thurman gives the Buckeyes a big framed target that can do damage after the catch. It is just about getting targets in the passing game at this point and that will come with the consistent playing time that he is working toward.

Now in his sophomore season with the Buckeyes, it is just a matter of time before the former No. 70 overall recruit starts to make a name for himself with Ohio State. Thurman should see plenty of run against Marshall in Week 3. 

If another player can step up for the Will Howard-led offense, it would bode well for the Buckeyes in a big way. Adding a playmaker to the list they already have on offense and they become that much better. 

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