TALLAHASSEE — Florida State defensive tackle Timmy Jernigan will enter the National Football League Draft, the school announced on Thursday.
Jernigan is the second Seminole junior to decide to move on, joining running back James Wilder Jr. as early draft entrants. FSU starting offensive linemen Cameron Erving, Tre Jackson and Josue Matias, wide receiver Rashad Greene, tight end Nick O’Leary and running back Karlos Williams will return to the Seminoles next season. Erving, Greene and Jackson announced their intentions Wednesday and Jernigan, Matias, O’Leary and Williams’ choices were reported Thursday.
The 6-foot-2, 296-pound Jernigan started each of the Seminoles’ 14 games in a perfect season that ended with Monday’s 34-31 win over Auburn in the BCS National Championship Game. He led the team with 11 tackles for loss and was third with 63 stops. He was an integral part of FSU’s interior, often drawing double teams to free up defensive ends, and helped FSU limit opponents to 12.1 points per game.
“Timmy was one of the leaders on our defense and a big part of our success these past three seasons,” FSU coach Jimbo Fisher said. “He was one of the most dominant defensive lineman I’ve been around in all my years coaching. Not only was he a dynamic football player, but he was also a great person. We expect Timmy to be very successful at the next level and we wish him the best.”
FSU’s interior defensive line also will lose Jacobbi McDaniel, who has exhausted his eligibility. The defense also will be without departing seniors Christian Jones, Telvin Smith, Lamarcus Joyner and Terrence Brooks. FSU will return ends Mario Edwards Jr. and Eddie Goldman, both of whom were sophomores last season, as well as a deep stable of young defensive backs including P.J. Williams, Jalen Ramsey and Ronald Darby.
FSU is awaiting word from wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin and running back Devonta Freeman. Many expect Benjamin to make the leap to the NFL after leading the Seminoles with 15 touchdowns and amassing more than 1,000 yards. Freeman became FSU’s first 1,000-yard rusher since 1996 and if he departs it will thrust Williams into the starting role in 2014.
Championship celebration: FSU will hold its national title celebration Jan. 18 at 1 p.m. CST at Doak Campbell Stadium. There is no admission and parking is free along the south side of the stadium and in parking garages near the intramural fields and the soccer and softball complex. No parking will be available in the lots outside of the Moore Athletic Center.
Fans are asked to enter the stadium through gates C, D, F, G or X on the south side of the stadium. Gates will open at noon and parking lots will be ready at 10 a.m.