OT Rankings: A Closer Look At #1 OT Thayer Munford

With the off-season upon us we will be removing the players that have moved on to the NFL from our player rankings and re-ranking for the 2021 season. Before we jump into Thayer Munford being ranked number one, here’s a few reminders about the rankings themselves:

• The rankings will be updated throughout the season.
• Players who have not played college football are not eligible for the rankings.
• Players are graded on their college ability, not their pro potential.
• We are judging players on their film, production and physical tools.

You can view the College Football OT Rankings here.

Ohio State offensive tackle, Thayer Munford takes the top spot in our rankings to start the 2021 season after finishing the 2020 season in the ninth spot. Munford has been a talented player for the past couple seasons but 2020 was the first time he was healthy all year. His strong play and the fact that seven of the top nine players from 2020 moved on to the NFL made Munford the pick to lead the rankings. Munford could have declared for the NFL Draft, but instead announced his decision to return to Ohio State for the 2021 season. His return will provide stability on the offensive line and should help the Buckeyes maintain their high standard of play.

Talented And Healthy

In 2018, Munford started 13 games for the Buckeyes as a sophomore. He was good but played through injuries the latter half of the year and missed the bowl game with an injury. He was an All Big Ten honorable mention pick for the season. Munford’s play solidified the left tackle spot for the Buckeyes and set him up as the starting left tackle for the Buckeyes going forward.

Munford was even better in 2019, playing exceptionally well as the left tackle for a Buckeye team that would make the college football playoff. Despite his strong play, Munford was again hindered by back issues during the season, but was able to make 13 starts again. Munford was a second team All Big Ten selection for his strong play, but the Buckeyes felt he could have been even better if healthy all year.

Munford missed one game in 2020, but it was due to Covid protocols and Munford was generally healthy for the whose season. He led the way for the offensive line and helped the Buckeyes advance to the National Championship Game. Munford was a first team All Big Ten selection, proving that at full health he is one of the best offensive linemen in the conference. Munford is the best offensive tackle returning to college football and will help the Buckeyes protect their new starting quarterback in 2021.

Munford’s Game

At 6’6″ 315 lbs Munford has the size, length and power to excel at the tackle position. He has quick feet and plays with good balance in pass protection. His balance and quickness allow him to square up pass rushers and keep them from getting penetration. Munford has good flexibility and is able to react to quicker pass rushers without reaching and holding. In fact he did not get called for a penalty during the 2020 season.

Munford is a powerful blocker in the run game as well. He has the ability to drive his defender off the line of scrimmage and open up holes for the backs. He plays with good pad level and creates good push at the point of attack. Munford has been a key contributor opening up holes in the running game for JK Dobbins and Trey Sermon the last two seasons.

Munford’s athleticism helps him get downfield as a run blocker or in space in the screen game. He is able to make the block on smaller defenders in space and open up running lanes for his teammates. Munford has helped spring big plays for the Buckeyes in both the passing game and the run game with his blocking.

Thayer Munford is an all around talent. He was finally healthy in 2020 and showed consistency as a pass and run blocker for Ohio State. Munford’s athleticism and strength will be on display again at left tackle for Ohio State in 2021.

A Leader In His Senior Season

Ohio State’s offense will have to replace Justin Fields at the quarterback position and Trey Sermon at running back. A new quarterback and running back’s best friend is a strong offensive line. The Buckeyes lose two starters on the offensive line but get both starting tackles back. With Munford and Petit-Frere as bookends the offensive line will lead the way for an explosive Ohio State offense in 2021.

Thayer Munford is the leader of the offensive line and will be looked at to anchor the unit. He will be tasked with protecting the new starting quarterback’s blindside. Ryan Day and the Buckeyes have played in the Playoff two years in a row and will be counting on Munford to help lead the way. With a talented group of receivers returning and plenty of talent waiting in the wings, Ohio State should be near the top of the rankings again in 2021.

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