The big men up front plan to be back for the Buckeyes in 2020.
Junior left tackle Thayer Munford, redshirt sophomore right guard Wyatt Davis and redshirt sophomore Josh Myers all said they plan on returning to Ohio State instead of entering the 2020 NFL Draft.
The trio were asked about their pending decisions at the Fiesta Bowl Media Day on Dec. 26, and Munford told The Columbus Dispatch, while Davis and Myers told Letterman Row of their plans.
Although he is a talented two-year starter, Munford wants to stay in school to uphold the promise he made to his mother that he would graduate before going to the pros.
“I want her to be proud of her son,” Munford said. “I know she’s proud of me right now, but I want her to make sure she’s proud of her son and get that degree.”
Ohio State offensive line coach Greg Studrawa praised Munford’s hard work and dedication at Fiesta Bowl Media Day on Dec. 26.
“I don’t think I could put it into words how valuable it is,” Studrawa said.
While Munford was disappointed with his play this season, Studrawa offered another perspective, highlighting the Cincinnati native’s perseverance.
“Those guys all want to achieve greatness,” Studrawa said. “When you’re here, there’s a certain level that everyone thinks you have to pick up: all-Big Ten, All-American, all those things. He wants that, too.
“And he fought through all those things and battled his (hiney) off and probably didn’t play to that level. But he was pretty close. And fighting through those things, his maturity level and toughness showed through to me because of how much he cares about his teammates.”
Davis dominated in his first full year as a starter, collecting first-team All-American honors from the Associated Press and the Walter Camp Football Foundation.
Myers has become one of the best centers in the Big Ten and beyond, earning second-team All-Big Ten honors by the media and third-team accolades from the coaches.
The Buckeye interior linemen duo of Davis and Myers both likely have the NFL in their futures.
While Myers did not even submit paperwork for draft feedback, Davis plans to return regardless of any feedback he receives.
“Yes, I did [submit draft feedback paperwork], but I want to put out there that I’m returning next year,” Davis told Lettermen Row. “I haven’t received [feedback] yet. I’m still waiting on it just to see it. But, yes sir, I’m coming back.”
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