Ohio State football: This true freshman could help Buckeyes offense

The Ohio State football team resumes spring practices this week as they try to get freshman tight end Jelani Thurman up to speed on offense.

The Ohio State football team is set to resume Spring practices this week following Spring break. The Buckeyes are gearing up for the 2023 season and there is one true freshman that could make an impact for this Buckeye offense.

Jelani Thurman, a four-star top-100 national player from Fairburn, Georgia could see some early season reps for Ohio State. Thurman looks the part for the Buckeyes, standing at 6’5″ and weighing 230 pounds. This incoming freshman already has the size and frame of a starting Big Ten tight end.

But it’s his athletic ability that is most intriguing for the Buckeyes. Ohio State hasn’t had this great of an athlete at tight end since Jeremy Ruckert left. And with the lack of depth at tight end behind starter Cade Stover, an opportunity is there for early playing time if he can take advantage of spring and summer practices.

Thurman figures to be a big weapon in the passing game for Ohio State but it’s going to be his blocking that will determine if he plays as a freshman. Ohio State requires a lot out of its tight end, and they are essentially learning how to play receiver and offensive line at the same time. That’s why it’s rare to see freshman tight ends play for the Buckeyes.

But Thurman’s talent is unique. And when you’re breaking in a new quarterback like Ohio State is, it might be wise to give him all the weapons that are available.

A lot of Thurman’s development will be on new tight end coach Keenan Bailey’s plate. This will be his first major task in his new role, and it will be interesting to see how much Bailey can develop Thurman early on.