South Carolina and Clemson officials set for Georgia IOL Elyjah Thurman
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The offseason was the springboard that shot Elyjah Thurman into the next realm along the recruiting trail. The four-star interior offensive lineman from the Bradwell Institute (Hinesville, Ga.) saw his offer tally jump from 11 over the spring months to 22 by end of summer with LSU, Clemson, Missouri, and South Carolina among the teams extending their offers. Big decisions lie ahead for Thurman (6-5, 278) with two official visits set.
While some focus is coming into play for the 2024 prospect, there’s still a long list of squads that could jump into the mix altering Thurman’s path forward.
“Ole Miss, Arkansas, Southern Cal, FSU, those are the ones I can think of off the top of my head that are showing interest but haven’t offered yet,” Thurman said. “Clemson, South Carolina, Missouri, USF (South Florida), Florida, and Georgia Tech are the teams reaching out the most.”
One unofficial has been taken so far this season with the Tigers hosting Thurman for the showdown against the Seminoles.
“It was nice,” Thurman shared. “It was something I had not experience before. Clemson had a great atmosphere. I spoke with coach (Dabo) Swinney before the game. Watching them warming up was a great experience. Everything was great.”
A trip to Tampa to see the Bulls this weekend may be postponed until Nov. 11.
“I am trying to line up a game day with USF,” Thurman said. “I was supposed to go this weekend, but I have an event this weekend. I think I have to go when they play Temple. If I can’t get any more game day visits in, I will start looking at more schools for official visits.”
Thurman continued speaking about his communication with USF, “I have a great relationship with coach “Hoodie” (Tyler Hudanick – OL). He is a down to earth guy. He wants the best out of you and will keep it real with you. Conversations with him is like having a young older brother. He is still on me, and wants me to be a Bull.”
On the topic of paid for trips, Thurman has two locked.
“I have two lined up right now, one to Clemson Nov. 10-12 and one to South Carolina Dec. 8-10,” Thurman shared.
More details about the rapport with Clemson were given.
“It is an amazing relationship,” Thurman stated. “Coach (Thomas) Austin (OL) is chatting with me every day. We talk about school, life – everything. Coach (Carson) Cramer (OPD) and coach Swinney, they are wanting me to be part of the family as well.”
On the other side of the college football landscape in the Palmetto State, the Gamecocks are making a strong push as well.
“I keep in contact with coach (Lonnie) Teasley (OL),” Thurman said. “I’m in a group chat with him and another coach. With South Carolina, it is the same as with Clemson, they want me to be part of the family. With South Carolina, that is SEC ball. I’m high on South Carolina. I want to take my official visits and go from there.”
Before Clemson and South Carolina fans start message board wars over which Palmetto State school will land him, there are contenders for other official visits.
“LSU, Florida, Georgia Tech, Missouri, and UCF is a big possibility,” Thurman shared. “If I get any other offers, I will consider them as well.”
Other teams that could factor in late also includes Mississippi State, Cincinnati, Ohio State, and Penn State.
ON THE FIELD
Thurman’s versatility is showing up all over the o-line with the Bradwell Institute this season.
“I’m at center and tackle, and occasionally they will play me at guard depending on the match up,” Thurman stated.
Commenting on the season thus far, Thurman shared, “It has been great so far. I am having really good ball games. There have been a couple of iffy plays, but, overall, it has been really good so far.”
Positive changes are noticeable in multiple aspects of Thurman’s game, “My inside blocking, getting to the second level, getting my shoulders back on pass sets, and reading stunts and twists from the defense. I am matching up against guys with more size that I have as well.”
The four-star’s strengths on the line of scrimmage were listed, “My speed off the ball, my aggression, my IQ of the game, reading blitzes, stunts, and reading formations, getting to the next level, pulling, and climbing up to the backers and into the secondary.”
*Click on the link for the April 25 RNG interview with Elyjah Thurman.