Ole Miss' Freeze hopes for update soon on Tunsil

OXFORD — Ole Miss held Laremy Tunsil out of its first three games because of a "pending process" with the NCAA, but the Rebels still don't know when their star left tackle will return.

Rebels head coach Hugh Freeze hopes for an update this week.

"I don't have an update for you, but I sure hope to have one this week," Freeze said. "I have asked for an update. Right now, I am getting the guys that I have ready."

ESPN's Chris Low reported last week the concern around Tunsil's eligibility revolves around a loaner vehicle he received from Cannon Motors while his car was being repaired. Cannon Motors CEO Michael Joe Cannon declined comment when contacted by the Clarion-Ledger.

Tunsil, a junior, made nine preseason All-America first teams and 11 preseason All-SEC first teams after undergoing ankle surgery in the offseason. The 6-foot-5, 305-pound Lake City (Fla.) resident has been projected to be one of the first selections in next year's NFL Draft.

The No. 3 Rebels (3-0, 1-0 SEC) host Vanderbilt (1-2, 0-1 SEC) Saturday at 6 p.m.

Rebels offensive guard Justin Bell said last week that being without Tunsil has been difficult.

"Not necessarily him playing but the fact that our brother is not out there with us," Bell said. "It's a part of the game. He's going through a situation, and we pray for him every day."

Contact Daniel Paulling at dpaulling@jackson.gannett.com. Follow @DanielPaulling on Twitter.