Early declaration day continues in college football. It has been quite the busy day with announcements of players declaring for the 2016 NFL Draft, and Ole Miss offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil is not going to be left out of the parade. Tunsil will forgo his final year of eligibility in Oxford and enter the 2016 NFL Draft as one of the top offensive linemen on the board. Ole Miss announced the decision on Monday afternoon.
“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 will join teammate and wide receiver Laquon Treadwell among the list of underclassmen entering the 2016 NFL Draft. Treadwell’s decision to enter the draft was announced earlier in the day. Like Treadwell, Ole Miss head coach Hugh Freeze had some compliments to pass along to Tunsil on his way out.
“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,” Freeze said in a released 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 leaves Ole Miss as a two-time All-American and a three-time All-SEC player. Tunsil even scored a touchdown in his final game, against Oklahoma State in the Sugar Bowl.
