Ole Miss offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil declares for NFL draft
Ole Miss offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil will forgo his senior season and enter the 2016 NFL draft, he announced on Monday.
“It’s been a lifelong dream to play in the NFL, and I’m excited about the challenge in front of me,” Tunsil said in a statement. “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. I cannot thank the fans enough for how they embraced me and made my time in Oxford so special. I am going to bring the same passion to the NFL that I brought to Vaught-Hemingway and will make Rebel Nation proud every Sunday.”
Tunsil is a two-time All-American and three-time All-SEC selection. He started 26 of the 29 games he played in for Ole Miss, and was responsible for just two sacks.
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“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. “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.”
In Ole Miss’ Sugar Bowl victory over Oklahoma State on New Year’s Day, Tunsil scored a two-yard touchdown on a backwards lateral from quarterback Chad Kelly. It was his first career score.
Teammates Laquon Treadwell and Robert Nkemdiche have also announced they will leave school early for the draft.
- Kenny Ducey
