Jelani played in the Good Counsel – DeMath rivalry all four years of high school. As captain of the 2009 team, Jelani led Good Counsel to a 42-21 victory over DeMatha in a nationally televised game on ESPN. Defensively, Jelani picked up a fumble and scrambled for a touchdown, made numerous tackles, and created havoc for DeMathas’s offense all night. Offensively, Jelani scored on a rushing touchdown and successfully blocked for Caleb Porsal in two more touchdowns. Jelani finished that season as a Gatorade Player of the Year and National High School Player of the Year. He is currently a starting linebacker for the University of Florida Gators. His father accepted the award on his behalf.