The University of Mississippi Athletics
Tunsil Named AFC East Rookie of the Year by ESPN
1/16/2017 | Football, Blog
Miami Dolphins offensive lineman and Ole Miss' former blind side protector Laremy Tunsil was named AFC East rookie of the year by ESPN. The award was voted on by the four reporters covering the teams in the division. Three of the four selection Tunsil.
Tunsil started 14 regular season games and one playoff game, split up between left guard and left tackle when Dolphins' starter Branden Albert missed time with an injury. Tunsil's play turned a weakness of the Dolphins last season into a strength. The Dolphins ranked among the top 10 teams in the league when rushing to the left of the center.Â
Despite playing out of position at left guard, where he had never played before, Tunsil did not allow a sack from the inside all season. Even more impressively, he was able to play at such a high level despite battling a shoulder injury throughout the season. When he did get time at left tackle, he showed the skill that Ole Miss fans grew accustomed to when he was in red and blue.Â
It's only a matter of time before the Dolphins move on from Albert at left tackle and insert Tunsil as their starter there for the next decade.Â
