Starting left tackle Tunsil confident he can protect quarterback — and coaches, players agree.

DAVIE — At the very end of a news conference Thursday afternoon, the Miami Dolphins’ newest starting left tackle acknowledged that, yes, playing left tackle is a special role, with special responsibility. Laremy Tunsil embraces it. “Playing the blind side,” Tunsil said, “it does mean a lot.”

Tunsil now has the ultimate responsibility to protect quarterback Ryan Tannehill, coming off a serious knee injury that ended his 2016 season.

“I always kind of put pressure on myself to get better and always find something new to perfect,” Tunsil said. “I put a lot of pres- sure on myself just to be that guy.”

There is every expectation that Tunsil, in his second season, will outperform former Pro Bowler Branden Albert, Tunsil’s mentor. Albert was dealt to Jacksonville this offseason, though he’s yet to report because of a contract dispute. Albert’s advice to Tunsil? “He really didn’t tell me a message,” said Tunsil, who has stayed in touch with Albert. “It’s the same thing as playing left guard. The only thing he told me is, ‘Hey, man, be yourself. Be you.’”

Dolphins players marvel at Tunsil’s athleticism.

“He’s impressive,” guard Ted Larsen said. “He’s super athletic, really strong and, as far as his head, he knows the scheme inside and out. He’s been super impressive.”

Defensive end Andre Branch has been matched up with Tunsil more often in practice this week, as the team began organized team activity.

“Athletically, I’d put him up against any left tackle that’s in this league,” Branch said. “He’s willing to learn. Every time we get a rep together, he’s always asking questions. So he’s a student of the game. He’s played guard. He’s played tackle. So he knows exactly the ins and outs of everything. I don’t look at him as a second-year player. He’s a vet in my eyes. That’s how we treat each other.”

After playing left guard as a rookie, Tunsil just feels more comfortable at left tackle,