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Ohio State Spring Preview: Center and Left Tackle

By Thomas Scurlock

GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 31: Head coach Urban Meyer of the Ohio State Buckeyes watches the action during the second half of the 2016 PlayStation Fiesta Bowl against the Clemson Tigers at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 31, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 31: Head coach Urban Meyer of the Ohio State Buckeyes watches the action during the second half of the 2016 PlayStation Fiesta Bowl against the Clemson Tigers at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 31, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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Two holes to fill on the Ohio State offensive line.

A staple at Ohio State under Urban Meyer has been offensive line play.

Since 2012, the Buckeyes have produced NFL starters in Corey Linsley, Jack Mewhort, Andrew Norwell, Taylor Decker, Pat Elflein and soon to be drafted Billy Price and Jamarco Jones.

Replacing key parts of the line is nothing new for Meyer’s offensive staff.  Besides a little blip in 2015, the transition from year-to-year has been smooth.

Will that continue?

Offensive line coach Greg Studrawa was on the hot seat a little heading into 2017.  His unit performed really well and with three starters returning plus more depth, the potential is there for the Slobs to be even better in 2018.

Of course, this depends on several factors, health, depth and finding a left tackle and center. This presumes Michael Jordan remains at left guard and Branden Bowen resumes his role as the starting right guard.

Let’s take a look at the contenders for left tackle.

Thayer Munford

Munford is a true freshman who won the backup right tackle role in 2017. At 6-foot-6, 325-pounds, he has the size to be a great left tackle.

Praised by Jones for standing out in bowl prep, Munford could be the steal of the 2017 class if he wins this competition.

Isaiah Prince

His struggles at right tackle in 2016 were the source of angst among Buckeye Nation. He rebounded last year and made third-team All-Big Ten.

It seems natural for Studrawa to move Prince over to left tackle and slide Munford into right tackle. That gives him two solid tackles.

Only question is will he decide to disrupt the progress Prince has made?

Joshua Alabi

A converted defensive lineman, Alabi played sparingly in nine games last year backing up Jones.  It would be a coup for him to win the job, but he’s in the mix.  I see him as the permanent backup.

Winner

I predict Prince will move to left tackle and Munford will become the right tackle.

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