Hugh Kellenberger

The Clarion-Ledger

OXFORD -- Ole Miss is losing its potential starting right tackle.

Austin Golson is planning on transferring from the school, coach Hugh Freeze confirmed Monday. Golson, the No. 3 offensive tackle in the class of 2013 according to ESPN.com, is looking to get closer to his Prattville, Ala. home.

Both of his grandfathers have had recent health issues, which seems to be playing a large part in Golson's decision. He played in 12 games as a true freshman last fall, all at right guard.

Ole Miss moved him to right tackle to start spring practice, and Golson flourished.

"I've been really pleased with Austin. He's been great this whole spring. … I think he could play on the edge," offensive line coach Matt Luke said earlier this month.

Golson could end up at Auburn, which is about an hour from Prattville. Ole Miss is not expected to block such a move, because of the situation.

But it leaves Ole Miss incredibly thin at tackle entering the 2014 season. The team had three scholarship tackles in the spring: left tackle Laremy Tunsil, Golson and redshirt freshman Davion Johnson.

Ole Miss signed Fahn Cooper out of the junior college ranks, but he was not able to enroll in the spring. Cooper, who played one season at Bowling Green before going the JUCO route, is now the presumptive right tackle.

The Rebels could also need Christian Morris, a transfer from UCLA. But Morris must first recover from a torn achilles, which required offseason surgery, and also receive a hardship waiver. Ole Miss signed two freshman offensive linemen, but both Rod Taylor and Sean Rawlings are considered interior linemen.