6’2” – 292 lbs. – 5.00e

STATISTICAL PROFILE:

2011: 30 – 6.0 – 2.5, 3 QBH, 1 FR
2012: 45 – 8.0 – 1.5, 1 QBH

OVERVIEW:

Contributed as a reserve in all thirteen games as a true freshman, then saw his role expand slightly as a sophomore, where he started two of the thirteen contests he appeared in. Assumed a full-time starting role in 2013.

POSITIVES:

•    Has lined up at both under tackle and nose tackle in Florida State’s 4-3 defensive fronts.
•    Active with both his hands and feet, gives pretty good effort throughout the game.
•    Does a nice job of using his hands to discard blockers in both phases of the game.
•    More effective run defender than his size would seem to suggest, gets penetration.
•    The strength of his bull rush allows him to drive blockers back and re-establish the LOS.
•    In addition to the bull rush, does a pretty nice job of mixing in his swim move.
•    Anchors better than anticipated, allowing Florida State to use him as a zero-technique.
•    Decent pass rusher, although projects as more of a pressure-creator than a finisher.
•    Doesn’t end up on the ground very much despite weighing less than 300 pounds.
•    Plays the game with a nasty, aggressive demeanor, relishing the chance to make a hit.

NEGATIVES:

•    Will graduate with only one season of starting experience, never had a breakout year.
•    At the next level, will be considered undersized even if drafted as a 4-3 under tackle.
•    Generally one of the last Florida State linemen to react to the ball being snapped.
•    Probably won’t draw very much interest from odd defensive fronts or two-gap schemes.
•    Doesn’t have some of the most impressive stamina in the class, runs out of energy.
•    Overall awareness in run defense could use some work, sometimes struggles to locate.

SUMMARY:

Jernigan is a quality player, but his draft stock may be negatively impacted by not possessing the type of size, length, and bulk to interest teams looking for five-technique defensive ends for odd fronts or players who can handle two-gap responsibilities. However, he is a stouter run defender than his size would indicate, and also functions as an effective nose tackle for the Seminoles. As a pro, his best fit will be as a three-technique defensive tackle in a one-gap scheme, where he should demonstrate average pass-rushing skills and above-average run defense in a starting capacity. RD 2