INDIANAPOLIS — Virginia tight end Jelani Woods, who played at Cedar Grove High School, started his college career at Oklahoma State as a quarterback.

He was moved to tight end at the end of his redshirt freshman season.

“It was kind of an easy switch,” said Woods, who’s now 6-foot-7 and 275 pounds. “I felt I had the tools to be a successful tight end. I talked to my coach. It was probably a 30-minute talk. I talked to my parents, and I was fine with it. I ran with it.”

“It was kind of an easy switch. I felt I had the tools to be a successful tight end. I talked to my coach. It was probably a 30-minute talk. I talked to my parents, and I was fine with it. I ran with it."

- Virginia tight end Jelani Woods, who’s now 6-foot-7 and 275 pounds

He was 6-6 and between 225 and 230 pounds as a dual-threat and pro-style quarterback in high school.

He graduated from Oklahoma State and is two classes from earning his master’s degree in higher education from Virginia. He wanted to play in Virginia’s offense and show that he could catch passes and was more than just an in-line blocker.

He led Cedar Grove to its first state championship with a 13-2 record as a senior in 2016.

The Bow Tie Chronicles

About the Author

Keep Reading

Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson (7) runs the ball during the second half of an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, in Minneapolis. (Mike Stewart/AP)

Credit: AP

Featured

In this file photo from October 2024, Atlanta Braves outfielder Jorge Soler and teammates react after losing to the San Diego Padres 5-4 in San Diego. The Braves and Soler, who now plays for the Los Angeles Angels, face a lawsuit by a fan injured at a 2021 World Series game at Truist Park in Atlanta. (Jason Getz/AJC)

Credit: Jason.Getz@ajc.com