Healthy Munford poised for big senior season

Thayer Munford was a second-team All-big Ten left tackle for Ohio State in 2019, so it wasn’t as if his season was a disappointment.

In fact, the honor is more impressive considering that Munford estimates he was no better than 80% healthy because of a back injury sustained at the end of 2018.

That prevented him from fully participating in offseason training.

Munford pronounced himself healthy for his senior season, which starts Saturday against Nebraska, and he’s determined to make it special.

“There’s no words at all,” he said. “After watching my last year’s film, I knew it wasn’t 100%. I knew I wasn’t powerful in my run game. I knew I wasn’t as fluid as I am right now in my pass sets.

“That motivated me so much. I just want to go out there and compete and dominate whoever is in front of me right now.”

Munford said he gutted it out last year because he couldn’t bear to let down his teammates. Though the

pandemic forced players to work out on their own for much of this offseason, Munford believes he is much better

physically. He improved his diet and strengthened his core muscles.

“This year, I can lift a lot more,” he said. “I feel a lot stronger and a lot quicker now than last year.” Coach Ryan Day agrees.

“The way that he played (in 2019) was pretty remarkable, in my opinion, based on he really didn’t have the offseason to get stronger,” he said. “But he found a way, which shows his resilience.

“This offseason, he’s really done a great job getting strong. He’s had a whole offseason to get himself to where he needs to be. Because of that, you’ll see a different player this season.”

Last year’s offensive line consistently dominated opponents. Munford, center Josh Myers and All-american right guard Wyatt Davis return.

The Buckeyes do not expect a dropoff with left guard Harry Miller and right tackle Nicholas Petit-frere succeeding Jonah Jackson and Branden Bowen.

“Last year, everybody said we were one of the best offensive line groups that Ohio State has ever had,” Munford said. “Personally, I think from what I’ve seen and what we have been doing during practice all this time that we are going to be the best offensive line in the whole country.” brabinowitz@dispatch.com @brdispatch

ADAM CAIRNS/COLUMBUS DISPATCH Ohio State tackle Thayer Munford, seen blocking against Northwestern in 2019, said he was 80% healthy last year but is full-go now.