OL Munford to be available vs. Gophers
Ohio State offensive lineman Thayer Munford, who was sidelined late in preseason camp, will be able to play in the team's season opener at Minnesota on Thursday.
“He's going to be available,” coach Ryan Day said during his Monday news conference.
Munford might be at a new position, though. After spending the past three seasons as the Buckeyes starting left tackle, he is expected to line up at left guard, a spot where he took first-team reps during practices.
It's not definitive. Ohio State won't release an official depth chart ahead of the season, leaving some details of its starting lineup, including the offensive line combination, a little murky. But signs point to a move for Munford.
Nicholas Petit-frere, who was at right tackle last season, said he expects to be at left tackle against the Gophers. His flip to the left side, which allows Dawand Jones, a mammoth 6-foot-8 tackle, to take his spot on the other end of the line, prompts Munford to slide inside.
The willingness by Munford to adopt a new role has garnered praise for its selflessness. He was voted as one of six team captains and became the Buckeyes' second recipient of the “Block O” jersey, which honors legendary lineman Bill Willis.
Petit-frere also pointed out that Munford has been adept at playing in the interior.
“He kind of plays almost like he did a tackle,” Petit-frere said, “and he was one of the best tackles in the nation, and I feel like he's one of the best guards in the nation as well, which goes to a testament saying that he's probably one of the best offensive linemen in the nation. Thayer's just an amazing competitor.”
Palaie Gaoteote’s eligibility remains up in the air
Little more than 72 hours before kickoff of their opener, Day said the Buckeyes were still waiting for a ruling from the NCAA on the eligibility of USC transfer linebacker Palaie Gaoteote.
“The NCAA asked for some additional information,” Day said, “so I guess they're still working, but unfortunately we don't have any more information as we're heading into the game. It's a difficult spot for him and us as we're waiting to hear the decision, but we're still optimistic
that we get good news.”
Gaoteote is the only linebacker with starting experience, having started 14 games in his three seasons with the Trojans before transferring to Ohio State this summer.
Due to the inexperience, Day listed a handful of linebackers who could see playing time alongside Teradja Mitchell, a veteran backup who was named a team captain. He mentioned Tommy Eichenberg, Dallas Gant, Cody Simon, Steele Chambers and K'vaughan Pope.
“We have some depth there,” he said.
Running back order
As the Buckeyes look to divvy up carries among a deep group of running backs, Day said they would initially turn toward some of their veterans at Minnesota.
“Early on, the guys who have played a little bit, we'll lean on them,” he said.
Day pointed to Master Teague's starting experience last fall, as well as appearances by Miyan Williams and Marcus Crowley in the College Football Playoff.
But he added that they would also use freshman Treveyon Henderson, who joined the program spring semester with considerable hype as the team's first five-star running back signee in more than a decade.
“Tre's gonna get in there quickly," Day said.
No backup QB set
While C.J. Stroud took hold as the Buckeyes starting quarterback more than a week ago, the rest of the depth chart at the position remains unsettled.
Kyle Mccord, a freshman, and Jack Miller, a redshirt freshman, continue to vie for the backup role.
“We're still working through that,” Day said. “Both of those guys have had really meaningful snaps over camp. So as we get closer to the game, and the preparation continues, I'd like to sit here and tell you that I think that one guy's ahead of the other, but that's actually not the case.” jkaufman@dispatch.com @joeyrkaufman