BJ Thurman is a 6'4", 225-pound tight end from Berkeley, California, currently a sophomore at Illinois. He attended College of San Mateo before transferring to the Fighting Illini. At the junior college level, Thurman appeared in 11 games, recording 16 receptions for 322 yards and six touchdowns while helping lead his team to a 12-1 record and 3C2A State Championship. He was ranked the No. 1 tight end in junior college football by recruiting services and received offers from Oregon State, San Jose State, and Nevada as a high school recruit.