Florida State defensive tackle Timmy Jernigan to enter 2014 NFL draft

Timmy Jernigan had nine tackles, including 0.5 for loss, in Florida State's BCS title-game win. (Cal Sport Media via AP)

After scaring the bejeezus out of offensive lines in college all season long, Florida State junior Timmy Jernigan is hoping to do the same in the pros. The defensive tackle announced on Thursday that he will enter the 2014 NFL draft, capping off a season in which he played his way into a potential first-round pick.

Jernigan was a nightmare to block, with both his speed and his 6-foot-2, 292-pound frame. He didn't have a ton of opportunities to show his stuff this year -- the national champion Seminoles often rested their starters for long stretches during blowout victories -- but Jernigan still had 10.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks on the year.

The defensive tackle is physically ready to play at the next level, and he and the rest of Florida State's impressive defense were great fits in coordinator Jeremy Pruitt's attacking play-first-think-second scheme.

"Some team will get an athletic, hard-working lineman who attacks, plays smart and doesn't come off the field," Timmy Jernigan said.
— Joe Schad (@schadjoe) January 9, 2014

Timmy Jernigan was basically the one player on roster I had been told FSU's coaches weren't really going to encourage to stay. He's ready.
— Ira Schoffel (@IraSchoffel) January 9, 2014