Timmy Jernigan, Junior, Defensive Tackle, Florida State
Overview:
It is a little amusing that a 6'2" 298 pound man could be considered small, but Timmy Jernigan is on the smallish side for a defensive tackle. However, he makes up for it with great quickness, both with his hands and his feet. While he has the ability to rush the passer from the inside (grabbing a couple sacks each year), his real strength is against the run. Last year's Florida State Seminoles finished as a top three defense against the run and the second best overall defense in the nation. Through late November of his junior year, the Seminoles are again a top four overall defense and have only allowed four rushing touchdowns all season long.
Final Projection:
With the superb play of the FSU offense, Timmy Jernigan and members of the Seminole defense are being overlooked. Also, with the emphasis being put on edge rushers and sacking the quarterback, defensive tackles who eat up space inside are all suffering in draft circles. Since Jernigan is not on the level of an elite DT who can split double teams and get to the quarterback, he may tap out as a second day draftee. But his agileness and speed inside should not be discounted.
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