National Signing Day 2017: OT Thayer Munford signs with Ohio State

Coming into National Signing Day, Ohio State only had two offensive line commitments in this year’s 2017 recruiting cycle in OG's Wyatt Davis and Josh Myers — two blue-chip prospects. Moments ago, that changed when '17 OT Thayer Munford from Massillon Washington (OH) announced his commitment to the Buckeyes fresh off of two visits to the the campus in the last two weeks.

Throughout the process, Munford picked up offers from Alabama, Kentucky, Louisville, Miami (FL), Michigan State, Pittsburgh, Tennessee, and more. A case could also be made that this offer list would be even more impressive had Munford been eligible to play his entire senior season. After spending his first three seasons in high school at Cincinnati La Salle (OH), Munford transferred and would wind up ineligible until Week 8 for the Tigers.

Ultimately for the 6-5, 320-pounder, he would choose Ohio State over the Panthers and Wildcats. It wasn’t long ago that Munford was expected to suit up for Mark Stoops in Lexington. However, ever since the Buckeyes had head coach Urban Meyer, new offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson, and offensive line coach Greg Studrawa make a trip to have a visit with Munford.

Obviously, the idea of Munford taking a visit and potentially getting an offer was discussed and both would ultimately come to fruition. Now, on National Signing Day, the in-state prospect put the ink to the paper and officially joined the Scarlet and Gray.

Munford is currently graded out as a four-star prospect on the 247Sports Composite scale and the 280th overall player in the class. The newest Ohio State pledge is also pegged as the 28th best player at his position and the 14th best player in the state of Ohio.

Scouting Report

Munford has college-ready size and could compete for a backup offensive tackle position as early as this season. He has long arms and showed the ability to shut down defenders before they even had a chance to make a move. Munford’s commitment is a great step in improving the Buckeyes’ offensive line depth.

Munford is a mauler. He consistently finished plays in high school on top of the player he was tasked with blocking. Munford is so big that once he can latch onto a player, the play is essentially over. Still, he’s more than just a big body, as he’s shown solid athleticism that should eventually help him matchup against some of the best pass rushers in the country. Munford’s combination of quick feet and size makes him an ideal offensive tackle prospect who can cut off the edge while also getting a push in the run game.

With offensive linemen, it’s rare to find prospects who are polished and have the size to hold up against elite competition. While Munford needs some work on the former point, you can’t teach size and his athleticism gives him a very high ceiling as a college offensive tackle. Munford is a redshirt candidate for this season, but an impressive camp could allow him to find his way onto the two-deep at tackle. — Ian Hartitz

Highlights