Scarlet Sunrise: Thayer Munford signs rookie contract with Las Vegas Raiders

Good morning, Ohio State fans, and welcome to the Scarlet Sunrise. Football will always be our focus, but every day we’ll cover news, notes and analysis from across Buckeyes sports. Join us each morning to get caught up on everything you missed in the world of Ohio State football, recruiting, basketball and more in Scarlet Sunrise.

Thayer Munford signs rookie deal with Las Vegas Raiders

Thayer Munford had to wait a long time to hear his name called during the NFL Draft last month. The former Buckeyes captain and offensive lineman is wasting no time signing his rookie deal, though.

Munford signed his rookie deal with the Las Vegas Raiders on Thursday, just a few weeks after being selected by Las Vegas with the No. 238 pick in the seventh round.

A four-year starter for the Buckeyes, Munford was a two-time all-Big Ten performer and helped Ohio State win multiple Big Ten titles before heading to the NFL. Now he is there.

And after a long wait on draft day, he has already signed his rookie deal with the Raiders.

ICYMI: Ohio State AD Gene Smith honored with major leadership award

Ohio State athletic director Gene Smith has helped lead college athletics into new territory at nearly every turn during his time as a Buckeyes administrator.

He is now being honored for his work in the world of college athletics. Smith received the David Williams II Leadership Award by the Lead1 Association at the annual Collegiate Sports Summit this week. The event has been taking place this week in Dallas.

According to an Ohio State release, the award given to Smith is “presented to an athletics director who personifies exemplary leadership, vision, service, and dedication in intercollegiate athletics.” Smith certainly fits the bill, and he was honored for his work.

Smith is at the forefront of the changing landscape of college athletics. He has been on various committees focused on where the NCAA can improve, how the Name, Image and Likeness task force and better-help athletes, how the College Football Playoff can be better-suited for the sport and NCAA Tournament committees during his career.

ICYMI: Former Buckeyes forward Justin Ahrens finds new home

Former Ohio State forward Justin Ahrens has found a new home to finish his college career: he is transferring to Loyola Marymount.

The senior will have one year of eligibility remaining after using four at Ohio State.

Ahrens became one of the Big Ten’s top sharp-shooters during his career with the Buckeyes. He averaged 4.3 points per game and 1.9 rebounds per game in four seasons at Ohio State, but he struggled during his senior season in which he shot just 35.4 percent from 3-point range, the lowest percentage in his four years. During his junior campaign, Ahrens hit 42.5 percent of his shots from beyond the arc.

The senior guard walked on Senior Day and talked extensively about the end of his Ohio State career. But he never officially closed the door on his time in college basketball coming to a close. Ahrens will have one year of eligibility remaining, due to the extra year granted by the NCAA due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

READ: Former Buckeyes forward Justin Ahrens commits to Loyola Marymount

Are you subscribed yet?

Are you ready to get all your latest Ohio State news in one place? Become a member of Lettermen Row today. With your Lettermen Row/On3+ membership, you’ll not only have access to the everything that’s happening with the Buckeyes, but you’ll also be able to peruse other fan sites within the network to hear just how rivals are feeling about Ohio State, as well. Make sure to follow along on Twitter, Instagram and on Youtube for all the latest Ohio State news you need to know.