Virginia tight end Jelani Woods will declare for NFL Draft

By Jerry Ratcliffe

Virginia is losing one of its offensive weapons in tight end Jelani Woods, who will be declaring for the 2022 NFL Draft.

Woods, who played one season for the Cavaliers after transferring to UVA from Oklahoma State after the 2020 season, made the announcement on his Twitter account on Tuesday.

A massive tight end at 6-foot-7, 265 pounds, Woods had uncommon speed and route running ability for his size, in addition to being a quality blocker. He played in 11 games this past season and caught 8 touchdown passes, second-most on the team to Dontayvion Wicks (9).

Woods hauled in 44 receptions (fourth-most on the team) for 598 yards (fifth-most on the team) and was exceptionally difficult to bring down, often dragging a horde of tacklers with him for extra yardage.

“I want to first start off by thanking all the coaches at UVA, especially Coach Mendenhall for providing the opportunity for me to play at the University of Virginia,” Woods tweeted. “I would also like to thank Coach Anae, Hagans, Beck, tujague, Atuia and the whole staff for helping me become a better man and player.”

Woods also thanked Virginia fans for all the support.

“I have learned a lot from the adversity and opportunities throughout my time in college and it has blessed me to be in the position I’m in today,” Woods said. “A dream of mine has always been to reach the next level and I’m confident that I will give it my all to reach that goal.”