2016 NFL Draft: Laremy Tunsil credits Columbia High School teammate for top draft status

Video: High school highlights of Laremy Tunsil

Of all the great defensive linemen Laremy Tunsil faced during his illustrious college career at Ole Miss, none had a greater impact on him than his teammate in high school.

Tunsil, who by most accounts will be taken very early in the first round of this week's NFL Draft, has credited former Columbia (Lake City, Fla.) defensive end Timmy Jernigan, who has been no slouch in his own right.

Jernigan went to Florida State, was a second round pick of the Baltimore Ravens in 2014 and has recorded 60 tackles and eight sacks in two seasons. The two faced off often at practice.

Tunsil was a two-time All-state offensive lineman at Columbia, where he also stood out throwing the discus and shot put in track and field. He was also a 2012 first team MaxPreps All-American his senior year at 6-foot-6 and 295 pounds. He's now listed at 6-5 and 310.

Tunsil entered college as the No. 1 left tackle prospect in the United States by 247Sports and No. 4 recruit overall.

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As a three-year starter at left tackle at Ole Miss, he allowed just two sacks in 28 career games and after his junior year, he declared for the NFL Draft.

The latest CBS Sports mock draft boards say Tunsil will go in the first six picks. Three experts think he'll go third to the Chargers, another says he'll go fourth to the Cowboys, another predicts fifth to the Jaguars and a fifth expert thinks he'll go sixth to the Ravens.