Today is the first day of Fall Camp for the vast majority of high schools around the state of Florida. What better way to kick it off than to start it out at the practice field where (arguably) the top player in the Sunshine State -- and possibly the country -- would be working out bright and early this morning. The Columbia Tigers of Lake City have a young and talented group of players headlined by the considerable talents of DT Timmy Jernigan (6-3, 285), who will play a huge role in defining the success of this ball club for the 2010 season.
I've been following Jernigan closely since last fall, and while he had a strong presence on the 2009 edition of the Tigers, you can tell that he is the face, heart, and soul of the 2010 squad. In work outs he bounced between providing an energy that is sorely needed during a summer day in North Florida, and coaching up the young guys who might allow Jernigan to get to the sideline for a play or two this coming season. He is equal parts mentor, motivator and class clown. In the few instances he was asked to demonstrate some technique or go up against an offensive lineman in blocking drills (and they weren't full contact by the way, as teams are not in full pads yet), Jernigan would routinely beat his man, scream so loud you could hear him in every corner of Columbia's expansive practice fields, and then give a little dance for good measure. If nothing else, Timmy Jernigan always lets you know he's around when he gets on the football field.
Afterwards, in talking to him, you can tell the recruiting process is starting to wear on him a bit. Decision day is moving closer (although he still expects to announce on National Signing Day, that could be subject to change, however), and teams are starting to turn up the heat a bit. Jernigan has been pretty consistent with his top group for a few months now, and he's narrowed it down to five teams, who will all receive official visits from him over the coming months. Alabama, Florida, Florida State, LSU and Michigan have all made the cut. Now, the hard part comes...who out of the five will land the state of Florida's big prizes for the 2011 recruiting class? Only one man really knows -- and Timmy Jernigan isn't showing his hand right now.
Other notes:
- I spoke with former Gators walk-on tight end Christopher Coleman this morning. Coleman, who was with the Gators from 2007-09, was hired to coach the offensive line for the Tigers in the spring, and he has a heck of a job in front of him. Columbia is basically starting from scratch up front, and will be employing at least four new starters up front in 2010. But from watching him work with his charges this morning, you can tell he really used the best of his time in Gainesville. Coleman is a Lake City native, and says this was a great opportunity for him because "I have to stay around (football)." Of course, I'm sure the Gators were happy to see him land this gig, seeing as they have a certain interest in a certain star player taking part in his final season for Columbia this fall...
- The other guy that really stands out aside from Jernigan on the practice field for Columbia is sophomore offensive lineman Laremy Tunsil (6-5, 280). Tunsil is being pressed into duty for the Tigers this fall at right tackle, and despite the fact he has a "long ways to go," in the eyes of Coleman, he cleary has a chance to be something special. Tunsil is still growing into his body, and he can lumber a bit when he runs, but he has the frame, and the athleticism to become a special offensive lineman one day. I don't know if his recruitment will mirror that of what Jernigan has experienced so far -- but it has a chance to do just that.
- Just ask head coach Craig Howard, this Timmy (Jernigan) has a chance to be just as good as the last Timmy (Tebow) he coached at the high school level...Fellow defensive line prospect Dequan Ivery (6-0, 300) is a player to watch in the Class of 2012. Although Ivery is a bit on the short side, he is a stout presence in the middle, and nearly as strong as Jernigan is, despite being a year behind him. He will receive plenty of D-I interest over the next year. Ivery is actually a cousin of Jernigan, and was actually driven to Florida's recent Friday Night Lights Camp by none other than Jernigan's father, Tim...Another name to keep an eye on at Columbia this year is wide receiver Adrian Hill (5-10, 180). Hill is fielding plenty of mid-major interest and will be a running and receiving threat for the Tigers this fall. With a lack of proven commodities at the skill positions, he figures to touch the ball a LOT in 2010. His interest should grow as he continues to perform strongly in the classroom this fall, and puts up the big numbers many expect of him this coming season.
