Weighing Top-Ranked Defensive Tackle Recruit Tim Jernigan's Top Five

Tim Jernigan, the No. 1 ranked defensive tackle in the country, is down to five schools, but he's in no rush to make a decision and will likely wait until after the season to do so. 

But that doesn't mean we should stand by and idly wait for Jernigan's announcement, so instead, we'll breakdown the situation and figure out where this coveted prospect is headed.

Jernigan's top five, in no particular order, are Michigan, Alabama, LSU, Florida, and FSU. 

He's said that, academically, all five schools rate the same to him and that he's really just looking for the school that he feels the most comfortable with.

So, what do these five schools offer Jernigan? Here's a quick look. 

Jernigan's Scouting Report and Highlights

At 6'2", 275 lbs, Jernigan is an athletic big man who moves extremely well for his size and can get into the backfield in a hurry. He's a disruptive force who recorded 131 tackles, including 27 for loss as a junior and commands a constant double-team.

He has all the tools to become an elite college defensive lineman. He's strong, stays low to the ground, drives with his legs, and has a relentless motor. On top of that, he has a solid array of power and finesse moves to shed blocks and penetrate the line of scrimmage.

Jernigan is a monster in pursuit and never gives up on a play, even if it means chasing a ball carrier 20-30 yards down field.

What Does Michigan Have to Offer?

Michigan's defensive line has been suspect for the last few years and a lot of the problems on that side of the ball can be traced back to the trenches, where the Wolverines haven't had a ton of success under Rich Rodriguez. 

Most would call Michigan's secondary the team's biggest weakness, and while that's where the least amount of talent is, it doesn't really matter if you're not providing any pressure up front. 

That's why Jernigan is at the top of Michigan's wish list and would be about as welcome a recruit as anyone in the country.

If Jernigan were to head to Ann Arbor, he seems best suited for defensive end in their 3-4, where he would likely compete as a true freshman for playing time, opposite Ryan Van Bergen. 

With four-star defensive tackle Jibreel Black joining the mix in the Wolverines 2010 class, it could be a battle for playing time; though the talent level of the defensive line isn't overly impressive. Nor is the development of talent in recent years, which is a troubling sign for Michigan. 

What Does Alabama Have to Offer?

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PASADENA, CA - JANUARY 07: Quarterback Garrett Gilbert #3 of the Texas Longhorns tries to tackle lineman Marcell Dareus #57 of the Alabama Crimson Tide who would score after intercepting the ball during the second quarter of the Citi BCS National Champio

Alabama's defense is at the other end of the spectrum in comparison to Michigan's. Though both schools run the 3-4, the Crimson Tide have the personnel to run to to near-perfection. 

As he would at Michigan, Jernigan's future with Alabama likely would be at defensive end, though he's got the natural build to bulk up and play the nose at either school. 

Nick Saban has proven very reliable in his years with Alabama as a developer of talent and the type of coach who knows exactly how to get the most out of his defense. 

This team has a ton of talented players along the line and a fresh group of talent entering the fold in 2010 and 2011 with three four-star recruits who'd accompany Jernigan as underclassmen at Alabama. 

Add in the fact that seven of Alabama's top defensive linemen are expected to return in 2011 and the minutes will be scarce, to say the least. 

Still, it's one of the best places to watch and learn, and if Jernigan proves capable, he'll get in the mix sooner rather than later. 

What Does LSU Have to Offer?

At LSU, Jernigan would stay at his natural position of defensive tackle in the Tigers traditional 4-3 defense. His future with the team depends a lot on the success of the unit in 2010 considering LSU returns only one starting defensive tackle from a year ago. 

If anyone struggles this season, the door will be open to several high-profile recruits, namely Ego Ferguson, a top 10 defensive tackle from the 2010 class. 

With one of the strongest secondaries in the country and a solid linebacker corps, the defensive line at LSU isn't asked to carry the burden, but rather focus on pressure and stopping the interior runs. 

Jernigan is a run-stopping machine and an underrated pass-rusher who would thrive with that kind of talent surrounding him.

And even though there are quite a few high-profile players that would be vying for playing time in 2011, LSU rotates their linemen frequently and would likely include up to eight players regularly. 

What Does Florida Have to Offer?

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COLUMBIA, SC - NOVEMBER 14: Jaye Howard #6 of the Florida Gators looks on during the game against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Williams-Brice Stadium on November 14, 2009 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

Florida has proven to be one of the top developers of defensive lineman in the country and there's no denying the talent that coach Urban Meyer sends to the NFL each year.

That's one of the main reasons the Gators were able to land three of the top defensive lineman in the country in 2010 when they brought in Ronald Powell, Sharrif Floyd, and Dominique Easley.

All three are expected to receive some playing time as true freshmen, though their roles will be strictly as reserves, with exception to Powell, who could emerge as a starter by year's end. 

Six of the Gators' top eight defensive lineman are upperclassmen though, so there's bound to be a change of the guard up front by 2012.

Considering Jernigan would come aboard with five-star defensive end Jeoffrey Pagan, he could find himself part of the best defensive line in the country.

It doesn't hurt that Jernigan grew up a Gators fan either. 

What Does Florida State Have to Offer?

Both of the Florida schools should have the inside track to land the in-state product and FSU definitely helped their case with the recent commitment from James Wilder, a top 10 overall prospect. 

Wilder will be playing running back for the Seminoles, but he's got the type of star power and magnetism to draw in other top prospects; Jernigan and five-star linebacker Tony Steward key among them. 

FSU will be looking to rebuild their defensive line after the units poor performance a year ago and the lose of three main contributors in the offseason.

There won't be too much competition from other recent recruits, with four-star defensive tackle Darious Cummings the only high profile player at Jernigan's position the Seminoles have brought in the last two years. 

Jernigan's role would likely be backing up Everett Dawkins, who will be a junior in 2011, at defensive tackle. He could vie for playing time at the NG, but that role doesn't seem to suit his skill set as well. 

Predicting Jernigan's Decision

Jernigan has said that he always envisioned himself playing for the Gators when he was growing up. But he's matured since then and knows that his decision can't be based on sentiment, but rather what's best for him.

Luckily for him, it looks like Florida is what's best for him. While Jernigan has stated that all of his top choices are equal when it comes to academics, it's clear that Michigan and Florida are a cut above the rest in that regard. 

It just doesn't seem that the Wolverines are a good fit, though. There's a lack of talent and development of defensive linemen and the pressure would be huge on Jernigan right from the get-go.

Florida, Alabama, and LSU all over much better situations from a playing perspective, though Jernigan seems better suited for the 4-3 rather than Alabama's 3-4.

Looking at the talent on the roster as well as the incoming talent in 2010 and 2011, Jernigan could be part of very special group of players if he chose the Gators; a group that seems bound for the NFL as a whole.

So, while this Florida-boy won't allow his sentiments to dictate his decision, he wouldn't be if it meant choosing the Gators.