The fact that Ohio State came out in a two-tight end set against Missouri in the Cotton Bowl wasn't surprising.
The surprise was who one of those tight ends was.
Gee Scott Jr., typically Ohio State's second-string tight end, took the field with freshman Jelani Thurman on the Buckeyes' first drive. It was the first career start for the Georgia native.
He made the appearance in place of first-string tight end Cade Stover, though Stover did enter on the final play of the series. Stover has been battling a knee injury and appears to be in a limited role for the matchup with Missouri.
Thurman has two catches for 18 yards this season, both of which came against Michigan State in Week 11.
A highly-touted prospect, Thurman was the No. 3 tight end and No. 104 prospect in the class of 2023. He lost his black stripe in the spring.
Stay tuned to Eleven Warriors for more updates from Ohio State's Cotton Bowl showdown with Missouri.
