Story by
Star UNC Tight End Earns Well-Deserved Weekly Honors
- Story by
- Star UNC Tight End Earns Well-Deserved Weekly Honors
(IMAGN Images via Reuters Connect)
On Tuesday, Nov. 2, North Carolina Tar Heels tight end Jelani Thurman was named to the Pro Football Focus ACC Team of the Week.
Thurman's performance was only made possible due to how well quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. carved through No. 1 Miami's defense, but make no mistake about it, Thurman came to play.
Advertisement
The junior transfer from Ohio State never had a chance to prove himself on the field until this year.
He remains the second-leading receiver in terms of yards on this UNC offense, and the sky truly is the limit if he chooses to return for his fifth and final year.
Thurman made the PFF ACC Team of the Week after his five-reception, 70-yard performance against the Hurricanes where he hauled in two touchdowns.
Officially, that's the second game this year where Thurman has had a two-touchdown performance.
Remember, he had just two touchdowns in his first three years with the Buckeyes combined.
Thurman has meant everything to UNC's offense
Wide receiver Jordan Shipp is leading the way with his 45 receptions and 587 yards, but Thurman has three more touchdowns than the star wideout.
Advertisement
Edwards Jr. has connected with Thurman in the end-zone an astonishing six times this season. Keep in mind, the Wisconsin transfer only has 15 passing touchdowns all year.
Thurman has as many touchdowns as the next three leading receivers combined, which includes Shipp, Trech Kekahuna, and Shamar Easter.
His 12.1 yards per reception are the fewest of that quartet, but he's hauled in 38 receptions which is easily the second most on the team.
Now, his performance is being recognized as the best of the week by PFF, a well-respected outlet when it comes to not just the NFL, but college football as well.
Advertisement
Tar Heels must get back on track in Week 10
If UNC wants to make its first bowl game under Bill Belichick, they have to take care of business at UConn .
Losing to the independent Huskies would be taking a massive step back, especially after this team picked up a ranked win against Pittsburgh a few weeks ago.
Thurman may not have been able to lead UNC to victory against Miami, but time and time again these Tar Heels have hung in there with ranked opponents this season.
Thurman's only other two-touchdown game was against No. 3 Notre Dame, so it's safe to say his breakout year has been highlighted by a combined 10 receptions for 120 yards with four touchdowns against two of the top three teams in the nation.
