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Laremy Tunsil: Ole Miss LT declares for NFL Draft, could be first overall pick

By Patrick Schmidt

Jan 1, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Mississippi Rebels offensive lineman Laremy Tunsil (78) blocks Oklahoma State Cowboys defensive end Jordan Brailford (94) during the second quarter in the 2016 Sugar Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Mississippi Rebels offensive lineman Laremy Tunsil (78) blocks Oklahoma State Cowboys defensive end Jordan Brailford (94) during the second quarter in the 2016 Sugar Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /
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Ole Miss left tackle Laremy Tunsil is leaving school early and entered the 2016 NFL Draft.

Ole Miss Rebels All-American left tackle Laremy Tunsil is leaving the Rebels after his junior and declared for the NFL Draft on Monday, the school announced, via its official website.

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“After weighing the decision with my family, I will forgo my senior season and enter the 2016 NFL Draft,” Tunsil said in a released statement. “It’s been a lifelong dream to play in the NFL, and I’m excited about the challenge in front of me. I will always cherish my time at Ole Miss and the relationships with my teammates, coaches and staff. Those are my brothers, and I will always be a Rebel. I’m proud of what my class accomplished, and I know even bigger things are ahead for this program.”

Tunsil was a two-time All-American and a three-time All-SEC performer. He came to Ole Miss as part of the 2013 recruiting class that included Robert Nkemdiche and Laquon Treadwell who all declared for the draft. He was the nation’s No. 1 offensive tackle and a five-star recruit before heading to Oxford where he became one of two freshmen in program history to earn All-SEC honors. He was also a Freshman All-American.

“Few players have brought more joy to my life than Laremy Tunsil, and I’m so proud to see him take this next step in his life,” Head coach Hugh Freeze said in a statement. “I will always be grateful for the opportunity he gave us three years ago, and I look forward to seeing him walk across the stage at this year’s NFL Draft. With his spirit, hard work and determination, he has a bright future ahead of him.”

Tunsil caught a two-yard touchdown in the Sugar Bowl win against Oklahoma State on New Year’s Day.

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He projects as a high first-round pick and could be the first overall pick with the Tennessee Titans in need of offensive line help to protect last year’s first-round pick Marcus Mariota.

Drafting Tunsil would allow the Titans to stick former first-round pick Taylor Lewan at the right tackle position and have two bookends protecting the franchise in Mariota.

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