Riley Blevins

The Clarion-Ledger

Ole Miss landed one of the top offensive tackles in the country.

Five-star Drew Richmond, who was a priority for programs like Tennessee, Alabama, Ohio State and many more, chose the Rebels today during a press conference at his high school in Memphis.

The 6-foot-5, 320-pounder is Tennessee's top prospects and the No. 27 overall player in the country, according to Rivals.com.

Ohio State and Tennessee were thought to be Richmond's frontrunners for some time - Richmond even said he'll "always be a Buckeye at heart" - but location and relationships have always been the deciding factors for Richmond.

And the Rebels capitalized there.

During a live broadcast of his decision on ESPN's Recruiting Nation, Richmond said his parents played an important role in his recruitment and added they liked Ole Miss' proximity to home.

Laremy Tunsil also helped, as Ole Miss' All-American tackle played an active role in Richmond's recruitment.

Richmond referred to Tunsil as both a friend and mentor throughout the process, adding that he took comfort in knowing a veteran player was eager to take him under his wing.

"He's everything I want to be," Richmond said of Tunsil.

Richmond also listed early playing time as a major factor in his decision.

Again, Ole Miss gets a checkmark there.

Richmond, Ole Miss' 10th commitment in the 2015 class, fills a major positional need for the Rebels.

Ole Miss starts four junior offensive linemen, and sophomore left tackle Tunsil is considered a first-round draft pick when he becomes eligible after the 2015 season.

That five linemen leaving at once. And Richmond is the Rebels' only offensive linemen pledged in the 2015 class.

Some believe Richmond lacks the arm length to play tackle at the SEC level. But he said Ole Miss is recruiting him strictly at that position.

"Tackle is where I want to play," he said. "But anywhere I can see the field, I'm OK with that."

While Richmond flashed an ear-to-earn grin as he put on an Ole Miss visor, he said he still plans to take all five of his official visits this fall.

"I just want to make sure that Ole Miss is right for me," he said.