Ohio State offensive lineman pens farewell letter to Buckeyes

Ohio State offensive lineman Thayer Munford put together a successful career with the Buckeyes’ program, and he’s now moving onto the next chapter of his career.

A 6-foot-6, 320-pound lineman, Munford – a native of Cincinnati – played four seasons at Ohio State. Through those four years, Munford appeared in 46 total games on the offensive line and was a part of much success with the Buckeyes.

A First Team All-Big Ten selection last season, Munford committed to Ohio State back on Feb. 1, 2017. He chose to play for the Buckeyes over schools such as Alabama, Iowa State, Kentucky, Miami, Memphis, Michigan State, Minnesota and Pittsburgh.

Following Ohio State’s 48-45 win over Utah in the Rose Bowl on Saturday, Munford penned a farewell letter to the Buckeyes’ program on Monday.

“I would first like to give all glory to God for helping me throughout my whole career here at THE Ohio State University,” Munford said. “The connections that I have made with everyone here made me a better man. Thank you for the memories and I can’t wait for the next level and can’t wait to see what is has to offer me and my family.”

On to the next chapter!! pic.twitter.com/i6oBsuCTUK

— Thayer Munford Jr (@TMunford75) January 3, 2022

Notre Dame adds a former Ohio State star to its coaching staff

Marcus Freeman continues to assemble an impressive coaching staff as he moves forward as the new head coach of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Former Ohio State linebacker and NFL star James Laurinaitis is set to join the Notre Dame football staff. 

The official Twitter account for the Bishop and Laurinaitis radio show shared the news on Monday.

You heard it here officially first: @JLaurinaitis55 is joining the staff at Notre Dame! But he will finish out the week on our show.

Congrats James!

— Bishop and Laurinaitis (@971BLS) January 3, 2022

The 2007 Butkus Award winner played for St. Louis Rams and the New Orleans Saints before retiring in 2017. 

Freeman and Laurinaitis were teammates at Ohio State and continued their professional paths together. Both went in the 2009 NFL Draft. The two will be back in Columbus to open the 2022 season against Ohio State on Sept. 3.

While at Ohio State, Laurinaitis averaged 52 solo tackles a season for three years. He also had 13 total sacks over those three seasons and nine interceptions.

College football reporter Bruce Feldman shared his thoughts on the wow hire.

“James Laurinaitis is one of those guys that everyone he meets comes away impressed,” Feldman wrote on Twitter. “He was also very well-thought-of as a TV analyst with a bright future in media. For him to go to ND and join his old teammate’s staff at Notre Dame, says a lot about Marcus Freeman.”

On3’s Nikki Chavenelle contributed to this report.