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Laremy Tunsil Named "AFC East Rookie of the Year" by ESPN
Laremy Tunsil during his time as on Ole Miss Rebel. Photo Courtesy of Joshua McCoy
Laremy Tunsil was able to put the night of the NFL draft in his rearview mirror and went on to have a highly productive season for the Miami Dolphins. Making the switch from LT to LG, Tunsil made the transition with ease and allowed just one sack all season long according to Pro Football Focus. His consistent performance has led to ESPN awarding Tunsil with “AFC East Rookie Of the Year.”
The award is voted upon by ESPN’s writers who cover the conference consisting of the Dolphins, Patriots, Jets, and Bills. Three of the four writers voted for Tunsil, the one holdout being Patriots writer Mike Reiss, who voted for Patriots rookie LG Joe Thuney. Among those who did vote for Tunsil was Jets writer Rich Cimini. Cimini cited how Tunsil was able to help guide the once 1-4 Dolphins to a playoff berth.
“I think Tunsil stood above the crowd because he switched positions and played at a consistent level throughout the year. He overcame a nightmarish draft-day experience and helped turn a weakness — the offensive line — into a strength,” Cimini said. “The Dolphins made an excellent choice in the first round.”
Tunsil will most likely end up back at LT during his time with the Dolphins, the position he played for the Rebels. James Walker, the Dolphins reporter for ESPN, likes what he saw from Tunsil and is among those who believe he will be able to maintain this type of performance throughout his career, with a few conditions.
“He was very good as a rookie playing out of position at left guard and filling in at his natural left tackle position for a few games when Albert was injured. Tunsil has the makings of a 10-year starter for Miami if he avoids injuries and off-field trouble.” Walker said.
Tunsil’s success in the NFL is no surprise to Rebel fans, who watch as he became an All-SEC selection in 2014 and 2015, and even caught one of the more memorable TD passes from Chad Kelly in the Rebel’s Sugar Bowl victory.
Steven Gagliano is a writer for HottyToddy.com. He can be reached at steven.gagliano@hottytoddy.com.
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Waite Ligon
January 16, 2017 at 9:20 pm
Writers must have left character and integrity out of the qualifications for the award.
Kiambe Tunsil
January 16, 2017 at 11:01 pm
No, they didn’t. They were highlighting his performance “on the field.” The boy already admitted he made a foolish decision PLUS another to get filmed engaging in the other “bad decision” to get high in the first place. Truthfully, Laremy was not the only one that has gotten high and/or drunk. He just got caught doing it. Believe me, if you’ve been to college, you understand what I’m talking about, PARTICULARLY when you’re in the position that these star football players are in. And since we’re on the subject of “character,” how much noble “character” and “integrity” should be placed in the example that society gives these kids? I’m an older cousin but I am not going to excuse the stupid decision he made. I’ve made PLENTY-before, during, and AFTER college-but, praise God, I have learned from a number of them, some the “hard way,” and used that knowledge to be more of the person I’m SUPPOSED to be, like setting a good example for young people like Laremy and others. I’m going to assume you’re an adult that is older than Laremy like I am. Instead of condemning this kid and others, why don’t you and I, along with other ADULTS, look ourselves “in the mirror,” be honest with ourselves, take inventory, and see if us GROWN FOLKS can’t set better examples for these young cats comin’ up. Admit it or not, they’ve picked up ALOT of these bad habits from us “‘OL FOLK.” Something to think about. God knows, I’m, still, a work in progress.