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.
Showing posts with label Defensive Tackle. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Defensive Tackle. Show all posts
Monday, August 9, 2010
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Where the Gators stand: Defensive Tackle
Last week, we started a position-by-position analysis as to where Florida currently stands in regards to the Class of 2011, and what needs still have to be met across the board. After wrapping up the offense, the defense is now on tap as to where Florida currently stands on the recruiting trail. Today, we focus on the defensive tackles...
Current Florida Depth Chart:
Defensive Tackle
6 - Jaye Howard (6-3, 302, R-Jr.)
92 - Terron Sanders (6-1, 309, R-Sr.)
58 - Dominique Easley (6-1, 280, Fr.)
68 - Leon Orr (6-4, 315, Fr.)
Nose Tackle
99 - Omar Hunter (6-0, 307, R-So.)
90 - Lawrence Marsh (6-5, 290, R-Sr.)
47 - Brandon Antwine (6-0, 290, R-Sr.)
73 - Sharrif Floyd (6-3, 301, Fr.)
Top of the board:
Timmy Jernigan (6-3, 280, Lake City, Fla./Columbia)
Others to watch:
Todd Barr (6-1, 265, Lakewood, Calif./Lakewood)
Devonte Brown (6-4, 285, Fayetteville, N.C./Jack Britt)
Lonnie Gosha (6-2, 275, Lake Butler, Fla./Union County)
Viliami Moala (6-2, 325, Sacramento, Calif./Grant)
Chavis Akins (6-3, 320, Homestead, Fla./Homestead)
Brandon Clemons (6-3, 265, Milford, Pa./Delaware Valley)
Elkino Watson (6-2, 280, Miami, Fla./Booker T. Washington)
Terry Bell (6-5, 280, Lakeland, Fla./Tenoroc)
Mason Fuller (6-1, 295, Chicago, Ill./Urban Prep)
Analysis: Florida heads into the 2010 season with an with a deep and talented group of defensive tackles -- one of the major reasons that talking about SEC and National Championships with this bunch is not out of the realm of possibilities for this coming fall.
However, looking ahead, this is potentially a major need area for the Gators looking ahead to the 2011 class. It is an upperclassmen-laden group which could suffer some serious losses heading into next fall.
Three fifth-year seniors -- Brandon Antwine, Lawrence Marsh and Terron Sanders -- figure to exhaust their eligibility after this season barring some change in circumstances. Jaye Howard has the potential to play himself into a high-round NFL Draft pick and depart a year early. Leon Orr has been rumored to be targeted for a possible position switch to the offensive line sometime down the line, although he gets first crack at defensive tackle before that happens.
That's why it comes as a bit of a surprise that Timmy Jernigan has really been the only major target at defensive tackle on the board for assistant coach Dan McCarney. Jernigan has been pursued by the Gators since his freshman year of high school. Some people point to the highly-touted group Florida signed last year as a possible deterrent for his signing with the Gators in February. From my vantage point, however, there is a considerable opening for a talented youngster (which Jernigan certainly is) to come in and make an impact as a freshman.
If Dominique Easley, Sharrif Floyd and Omar Hunter end up being the only returnees at defensive tackle next year, there will undoubtedly be some movement to get this unit replenished. Matt Patchan (or someone else) could move over from the offensive line. Earl Okine could slide in from his defensive end slot. Although current commitment Jeoffrey Pagan is projected to play defensive end, he could certainly give the Gators some snaps from the interior of the defensive line as well. Still, it would seemingly make a lot of sense for Florida to sign a second defensive tackle in this class, and there are plenty of options on the board. Lonnie Gosha gives the Gators another local option to consider (both Gosha and Jernigan live within 45 minutes of the Swamp). Todd Barr is one of the top defensive line prospects on the West Coast, and he is expected to visit Florida later this month. Devonte Brown has an offer from Florida as well, and he is a former teammate of Xavier Nixon, who is the projected opening-day starter for the Gators at left tackle heading into fall camp.
One other name to keep an eye on as a sleeper is Elkino Watson out of Booker T. Washington. Playing alongside 2010 Florida signee Lynden Trail for the Tornadoes last fall, Watson managed to rack up over 60 tackles and nine sacks from his defensive tackle slot. Certainly not a bad number at all for an interior lineman.
In any case, look for Florida to continue their strong pursuit of Jernigan, while considering a number of options to potentially bring in alongside him for the Class of 2011. One is the absolute minimum, but taking two at defensive tackle seems entirely realistic as well.
Current Florida Depth Chart:
Defensive Tackle
6 - Jaye Howard (6-3, 302, R-Jr.)
92 - Terron Sanders (6-1, 309, R-Sr.)
58 - Dominique Easley (6-1, 280, Fr.)
68 - Leon Orr (6-4, 315, Fr.)
Nose Tackle
99 - Omar Hunter (6-0, 307, R-So.)
90 - Lawrence Marsh (6-5, 290, R-Sr.)
47 - Brandon Antwine (6-0, 290, R-Sr.)
73 - Sharrif Floyd (6-3, 301, Fr.)
Top of the board:
Timmy Jernigan (6-3, 280, Lake City, Fla./Columbia)
Others to watch:
Todd Barr (6-1, 265, Lakewood, Calif./Lakewood)
Devonte Brown (6-4, 285, Fayetteville, N.C./Jack Britt)
Lonnie Gosha (6-2, 275, Lake Butler, Fla./Union County)
Viliami Moala (6-2, 325, Sacramento, Calif./Grant)
Chavis Akins (6-3, 320, Homestead, Fla./Homestead)
Brandon Clemons (6-3, 265, Milford, Pa./Delaware Valley)
Elkino Watson (6-2, 280, Miami, Fla./Booker T. Washington)
Terry Bell (6-5, 280, Lakeland, Fla./Tenoroc)
Mason Fuller (6-1, 295, Chicago, Ill./Urban Prep)
Analysis: Florida heads into the 2010 season with an with a deep and talented group of defensive tackles -- one of the major reasons that talking about SEC and National Championships with this bunch is not out of the realm of possibilities for this coming fall.
However, looking ahead, this is potentially a major need area for the Gators looking ahead to the 2011 class. It is an upperclassmen-laden group which could suffer some serious losses heading into next fall.
Three fifth-year seniors -- Brandon Antwine, Lawrence Marsh and Terron Sanders -- figure to exhaust their eligibility after this season barring some change in circumstances. Jaye Howard has the potential to play himself into a high-round NFL Draft pick and depart a year early. Leon Orr has been rumored to be targeted for a possible position switch to the offensive line sometime down the line, although he gets first crack at defensive tackle before that happens.
That's why it comes as a bit of a surprise that Timmy Jernigan has really been the only major target at defensive tackle on the board for assistant coach Dan McCarney. Jernigan has been pursued by the Gators since his freshman year of high school. Some people point to the highly-touted group Florida signed last year as a possible deterrent for his signing with the Gators in February. From my vantage point, however, there is a considerable opening for a talented youngster (which Jernigan certainly is) to come in and make an impact as a freshman.
If Dominique Easley, Sharrif Floyd and Omar Hunter end up being the only returnees at defensive tackle next year, there will undoubtedly be some movement to get this unit replenished. Matt Patchan (or someone else) could move over from the offensive line. Earl Okine could slide in from his defensive end slot. Although current commitment Jeoffrey Pagan is projected to play defensive end, he could certainly give the Gators some snaps from the interior of the defensive line as well. Still, it would seemingly make a lot of sense for Florida to sign a second defensive tackle in this class, and there are plenty of options on the board. Lonnie Gosha gives the Gators another local option to consider (both Gosha and Jernigan live within 45 minutes of the Swamp). Todd Barr is one of the top defensive line prospects on the West Coast, and he is expected to visit Florida later this month. Devonte Brown has an offer from Florida as well, and he is a former teammate of Xavier Nixon, who is the projected opening-day starter for the Gators at left tackle heading into fall camp.
One other name to keep an eye on as a sleeper is Elkino Watson out of Booker T. Washington. Playing alongside 2010 Florida signee Lynden Trail for the Tornadoes last fall, Watson managed to rack up over 60 tackles and nine sacks from his defensive tackle slot. Certainly not a bad number at all for an interior lineman.
In any case, look for Florida to continue their strong pursuit of Jernigan, while considering a number of options to potentially bring in alongside him for the Class of 2011. One is the absolute minimum, but taking two at defensive tackle seems entirely realistic as well.
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