Welcome, NFL fans. Read about your new defensive tackle.
Timmy Jernigan has been a known commodity in Florida recruiting circles since at least 2008, and perhaps before. Out of Lake City (Fla.) Columbia High School, most expected him to go to Florida, but he chose FSU after Jimbo Fisher took over the Seminoles' program, and Urban Meyer created some uncertainty at UF. Jernigan was a five-star recruit with offers from all over the country.
Jernigan has been an excellent player for the Seminoles for three years. He was very good as a freshman, avoided a sophomore slump, and dominated as a junior in 2013.
Here are his accolades via his FSU bio.
ESPN.com All-America First Team
FWAA All-America Second Team
Associated Press All-America Second Team
USA TODAY Sports All-America Second Team
CBSSports.com All-America Second Team
SI.com All-America Second Team
Lindy's All-America Third Team
Coaches All-ACC First Team
All-ACC Second Team2013: Was one of the most dominant interior lineman in the NCAA and one of the most important players in the success of the 2013 Seminole defense...selected All-ACC First Team by league coaches and All-American First Team by ESPN...also an All-American Second Team selection by USA Today, the Associated Press and Sports Illustrated... in 14 starts in 2013 he set career highs for tackles (63), TFL (11.0) and sacks (4.5)...the nose guard is constantly double-teamed creating opportunities for the Seminole linebackers and blitzing corners...his ability to fill gaps and fight off offensive linemen was a key reason that FSU had the nation's 18th best run defense...had nine tackles and 0.5 tackles for loss in the BCS National Championship game...his 2.0 tackles for loss and 1.0 sacks at Pitt on Sept. 2 tied career highs in both categories...set a career high with 10 tackles in the ACC Championship Game versus Duke...recorded a then-season high seven tackles at Boston College...made two tackles and 1.0 TFL against Maryland...his lone tackle at Clemson was a seven-yard sack...posted three tackles and 1.0 TFL against NC State...registered six tackles at Wake Forest...recorded six tackles, 1.0 TFL and a QB hurry against Syracuse...had a monster game against Idaho - 4.5 TFLs, 2.5 sacks and led FSU with six total tackles.
I agree with most of Steven White's SB Nation scouting report on Jernigan. But I think it undersells Jernigan's tremendous hands and core strength, which he uses to win battles. Jernigan is not the best penetrator, but he is very good at fighting and controlling blocks, despite not having tremendous size or length. The following two .gifs show that great core strength and hand play.
It was reported that Jernigan tested positive for a "diluted sample" at the NFL Combine drug test, but he was never suspended at Florida State -- a school that has booted star players like Randy Moss and Greg Reid for drug use in the past.
He's also an extremely passionate player, as you can see in this video I shot after the BCS National Title Game.
Jernigan enjoys fishing and trucks, and is on twitter @TJernigan8.
I also fully expect the comment section to quickly fill up with all of Jernigan's .giffable moments.