Mike Gundy Bullish on Upside of Jelani Woods and Potential as Playmaker

When Jelani Woods committed to Oklahoma State for 2017, his measureables drew oohs and ahhs from the fansbase. The raw 6-foot-7, 230-pound Woods was the No. 31 pro-style QB in the nation according to 247Sports and looked like a nice candidate to develop in a dynamic offense under a proven tutor in Mike Yurcich.

The Pokes were on the hunt for a future replacement for Mason Rudolph and the three-star prospect had upside in oodles.

A year and a position change to Cowboy back later, and those physical traits are finally being put to use. But Woods is only scratching the surface as a playmaker for the Cowboys.

During his weekly press conference, Mike Gundy talked about the redshirt freshman who has quickly usurped a crowded Cowboy b

ack group as the team’s top receiving tight end.

“I said at this time next year, based on his development with Coach Glass and the strength and condition [staff] should put him to a level to where he can be very competitive,” said Gundy. “But he has come along and has done better to this point than I thought he would, and he’s made some plays for us.

“So, he’s a good weapon for us to have. His length, he’s 265 pounds by default. He’s still thin. I would expect for him to be a pretty thick 275 at this time next year.”

Halfway through the first quarter of Oklahoma State’s win over Texas, the Cowboys employed a rare three-tight end set. Facing fourth-and-short on the 16-yard line, Mike Gundy and Co. sent out Sione Finefeuiaki, Logan Carter and Jelani Woods in as presumed blockers.

But instead of trying to sneak across the line of scrimmage, Cornelius took the snap and rolled out as Woods sped, unseen and uncovered to the end zone. Corn Dog found his man.

“It made me feel really good,” Woods said. “It made me feel like I’m a good asset to the team. They have trust in me and I can contribute.”

Woods has only been featured as a receiver in spot duty this season. But he’s paid it off,  catching six of his eight targets for 105 yards and two scores.

But the other, less glamorous job duties of the hybrid Cowboy back position include mixing it up with the bruisers in the trenches, something that the former QB has had to adjust to.

“You know it’s difficult when you come in there as a 6-foot-8 quarterback and all of the sudden you’re now putting your hand on the ground sometimes or playing in the world where it’s really, really physical, and his strength levels weren’t up to par,” Gundy said.

Woods has not only had to pack on the pounds and add strength, he’s also had to learn to be an effective blocker, a trait that’s mandatory for a Cowboy back wanting to see the field.

“It was like I was running, like a chicken with his head cut off,” said Woods of when he first began practicing at his new position. “I was just all over the place but I mean he kinda helped me [position coach Jason McEndoo]. Once I learned something, I learned it quick.”

Woods says he’s still got to work on his blocking, but he’s made strides there too.

In early October, Marshall Scott spoke with Woods and teammates about the redshirt freshman’s learning curve, as well as his impressive wheels.

 “He’s improved a lot,” defensive end Jordan Brailford said. “He couldn’t block anything when he first came to tight end. Now he’s one of the best blockers we have on the offense. He’s strong, so it’s just a matter of him getting his hands right. Once he learned how to do that, he’s gotten a lot better.” [PFB]

“I’ve been a quarterback so you know they’re going to try to like target me,” said Woods of Brailford and his fellow Cowboy defensive linemen. “But after many reps of going with them, going with them, and actually like fighting back and like ‘I’m here.’ I think I’ve gained respect.”

Woods still has a long way to go but the good news is that he’s got eligibility and upside to spare. He’s shown the willingness to work hard and learn, and he’s already reaping the fruits of his labor on the field.

“Oh, I think next year at this time he’s gonna be what I would call a really solid and/or a good tight end, Cowboy back,” Gundy said. “He’s really young. He hasn’t played a whole lot. He’s gaining experience due to the reps and so on and so forth. His strength levels have gone up considerably over the last six months…

“He’s going to be a good player here before he leaves.”