Florida State defensive tackle Timmy Jernigan is planning to turn pro.
The news, first reported by ESPN, is not surprising: Jernigan is considered one of the most pro-ready defensive tackles nationally and should go in the first round; how early is the question.
He goes out on what may have been his best performance at FSU, a nine-tackle showing in the Seminoles' wild national championship victory over run-heavy Auburn.
Jernigan (6-foot-2, 296 pounds) is a former five-star recruit who didn't become a starter until this season. But he was ultra-productive as a reserve in his first two seasons. Jernigan is a squatty guy who has good footwork and excellent quickness. He's both quick and strong, and moves extremely well laterally. He finished third on the team with 63 tackles and also had 11 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks.
He is the second FSU junior to turn pro, joining running back James Wilder Jr.
On Wednesday, three Florida State underclassmen -- wide receiver Rashad Greene, offensive tackle Cameron Erving and guard Tre Jackson -- announced they would return to Tallahassee next season.
Mike Huguenin can be reached at mike.huguenin@nfl.com. You also can follow him on Twitter @MikeHuguenin.
