Jelani Woods, Virginia Football News: Draft Scout Player News

04/30/21 - TE Jelani Woods, rSr/2022, Virginia

Recruited to Oklahoma State as a quarterback out of Georgia, Woods didn't think much of his late-season assignment in 2017, being asked to play tight end for the scout team because of his size and athleticism. He was redshirting that year and figured it was a one-time situation. "I ended up giving them a great look throughout the week," said Woods. "Literally the next week, my coach came to me and proposed the deal with me. I loved it." Woods also said he loved his team at Oklahoma State, though in the Cowboys' offense, he was used mostly as a blocker. He finished his time there with 31 catches for 361 yards and four touchdowns. The move to UVa brings him both closer to home and transitions him into an offense that appears more committed to getting the ball to its tight ends. "Jelani is a really good addition to our team," said offensive coordinator Robert Anae. "He's really, really tall, big, strong, athletic. Then, man, you couple that with a really good football IQ. Dang, I think we're going to have a lot of good things to come."

Woods has quickly fit in with his new teammates and demonstrated a devotion to and aptitude for learning the playbook heading into Saturday's spring game at Scott Stadium, the final team practice before fall camp. "I met him the first day he got in here and he was asking a lot of questions," said senior Grant Misch, a fellow tight end. "But the questions are kind of gone and now it's more like friendly banter. He's a cool guy." He's impressed his coaches, as well. "Jelani Woods is probably the brightest spot that I've seen in our program this spring," said Mendenhall. "He is big and he's fast and he's physical and he catches the ball well and he's a great blocker, and man, is he thankful to be here. So, he is a welcome addition to our program at a position of need coming off Tony's performance." - Roanoke Times

rSr/2022