Worthing High School may be a small 4A school in Houston, but its football program has gained major attention this season, largely due to the dominant play of senior tight end/defensive end Jacory Thurman, a 6-foot-3, 225-pound University of Houston commit. Thurman’s domination has helped lead Worthing to a perfect 3-0 start this season.
“On offense, my main role is to be a decoy as I often draw three defenders covering me,” said Thurman. “This allows my other teammates to be open in the passing game. On defense, I use my speed to pressure the quarterback into making rushed decisions, which also helps our defensive secondary. I am only as good as my team makes me.”
Thurman’s versatility on both sides of the ball has been critical to the team’s early success. Through the first three games of the season, Worthing has scored an impressive 118 points while allowing just 7 points from opponents, showing its dominance in 4A-1 Region III District 11. This strong start builds on the team’s undefeated district title run last season, where the Colts finished with a perfect 7-0 record.
“People may overlook us because we’re a 4A school, but we’ve got talent here,” says Thurman. “It’s not the size of the school that matters; it’s what we do on the field.”
Despite being from a 4A school with an enrollment of fewer than 1,500 students, Thurman has attracted attention at the collegiate level. His strong play last season earned him First Team honors as both a tight end and defensive end, and Second Team recognition as a wide receiver. His recruitment by the University of Houston is a testament to his abilities on the field and his dedication in the classroom, where he excels academically.
“My mom, Ashley Sanchez, along with my coaches, have been the driving force behind my academics. They’ve always stressed that being a student comes first, even before football. My first offer was from Dartmouth, which shows how important my grades are to me,” said Thurman, who plans to study biochemistry or sports science at the University of Houston. “My mom has always made sure I stayed focused on school, and that’s played a huge role in getting me where I am today.”
Thurman hopes to continue his football journey at the University of Houston, where he is being recruited to play tight end. Thurman studies some of the game’s best tight ends, including Brock Bowers, Travis Kelce, George Kittle and Kyle Pitts, as he continues to hone his skills.
“I watch Brock Bowers because we kind of has the same build. We are a little on the shorter side but quicker than traditional players at the position and we aren’t afraid to block,” said Thurman. “I like to watch Kelce, Kittle and Pitts because the way they are used in their offensive schemes is similar to how I’m used too.”
Thurman’s football journey began in the 7th grade at Attucks Middle School, where he first picked up the game at age 12. His high school career at Worthing had a rough start when an ankle injury sidelined him for most of his freshman year. But after a heart-to-heart conversation with his coach, Brandon Ellis, Thurman returned stronger, more focused, and more determined than ever.
“Coach Ellis told me that it was time to grow up and become more serious about my craft. In doing so I could set myself up later in life to help take care of my family,” said Thurman.
Thurman is now a three-year varsity letterman and team captain.
With a bright future ahead at the University of Houston, Thurman is eager to represent his community and make an impact at the next level. As Worthing continues its strong season, the football world will be watching Thurman as he helps lead his team, aiming for another district title while preparing for the next chapter of his football career at the collegiate level.
About Jacory Thurman
Class: 2025
IG: @showtimee_.cory
Twitter: @JacoryThurman
Position: Tight end, defensive end
Height & weight: 6-feet-3, 225 pounds
Favorite artist: Lil Wayne
Status: Committed to the University of Houston
Favorite subject: Science (aquatic science)
Shout-outs: Va’shawn Smith, Kwame Roy, Ernest Briscoe and Nathaniel Dillard
