DT TIMMY JERNIGAN, FLORIDA ST.*
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