Tunsil improving in all areas

ORANGE PARK, Fla. - Lake City (Fla.) Columbia junior offensive lineman Laremy Tunsil stands out at 6-foot-5, 275-pounds with long, lanky arms and a lot of athleticism for a jumbo athlete. He has been on the national radar since his sophomore season, but that doesn't mean he is resting on his laurels and not working on his game.

"I really had to work on my run blocking," Tunsil said. "But what coach has had us doing with regards to speed track, getting lower, and getting stronger has really paid off for me. The squats, everything, it has helped my game."

His improvement as a run blocker was evident in the fourth quarter where Columbia consistently ran behind him, gaining yardage, as they drove the ball down on the Orange Park defense killing the clock. On the evening, a majority of the running backs' 139 rushing yards by Columbia came on carries directly behind Tunsil.

With his improvement as a run blocker and his impressive technique as a pass blocker, colleges are keeping up with the talented Sunshine State junior.

"Recruiting has been going well," Tunsil said. "I actually got offered by Purdue (Friday)."

Purdue joins Arkansas, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, Notre Dame, South Florida, and Southern Cal in offering Tunsil. Many more will follow.

So far this season, he has visited a pair of in-state schools for games.

"I went to Florida State-Oklahoma and Florida-Alabama," Tunsil said. "Both visits were pretty good. Both places were really loud."

While in Gainesville, Tunsil had an opportunity to catch up with his primary recruiter.

"Florida just tells me that they need me and they want me," Tunsil said. "I have been dealing with Coach Bryant Young, the defensive line coach. We are close. I feel like I can talk to him at any time about anything."

At Florida State, he is getting the recruiting pitch from a former high school teammate - freshman defensive tackle Timmy Jernigan.

"Florida State was OK," Tunsil said. "I got to see Tim. He told me that he hoped I liked what I got to see. He is trying to get me there. I have talked to him and Odell (Haggins)."

Tunsil claims no leader at this time. He also said that at this time he has no specific plans with regards to taking any visits during the remainder of the regular season.

After the football season concludes, Tunsil said his main focus is going to be on his basketball season.