Rebel Starting Right Tackle Considers Transfer, Auburn Possible Spot

In a blow to an offensive line that is already thin going in to 2014, Coach Hugh Freeze said today that starting right guard Austin Golson is considering transferring from Ole Miss due to family concerns.
Golson, a member of the Rebels’ top-five ranked recruiting class of 2013, was the No. 3 offensive tackle in the nation that year, and would be a huge loss for the Rebels.
Freeze confirmed earlier today that Golson would like to get closer to his home in Prattville, Ala., as both his grandfathers have recently been ill.
InsideOleMissSports.com reports, though, that Coach Freeze says nothing is set in stone at this point.  “He is going to look into his options. Nothing has been decided,” Freeze said.
Freeze, however, did indicate the Rebels would probably not make any moves to block Golson from transferring to other SEC West schools. “Both granddads are sick. We don’t want someone here who doesn’t want to be here,” Freeze said.
Golson played in 12 games as a true freshman last year at the right guard position; however, he was moved to right tackle at the beginning of this year’s spring practice and excelled in the new spot.
If Golson does transfer away, the Rebels will be significantly weaker on the O-line. In the spring, Ole Miss had three scholarship tackles: left tackle Laremy Tunsil; Golson; and redshirt freshman Davion Johnson.
Though the Rebels signed two offensive linemen in this year’s class — Rod Taylor and Sean Rawlings — they consider the two incoming freshmen to be best used as interior linemen.
Ole Miss also signed junior college player Fahn Cooper who could step in as the starter for the Rebels at right tackle; however, Cooper was unable to enroll and attend classes this spring. He is currently completing coursework and hopes to be on campus in Oxford in June.
Christian Morris, who transferred to Ole Miss from UCLA, is also a potential lineman for the Rebels. However, he is recovering from offseason achilles surgery in February that is expected to keep him out at least six months. Morris must also be granted a hardship waiver in order to compete for Ole Miss.
As for where Austin Golson could end up, one school would seem to have a distinct advantage. Auburn is only about an hour from Golson’s hometown.
Stay tuned to HottyToddy.com for more information as it unfolds.
–Evelyn Van Pelt. HottyToddy.com sports contributor