No. 15. Timmy Jernigan, DT, Florida State

Previous ranking: Not ranked

Making the case for Jernigan: He’s oozing potential, but even after only two starts last fall, he’s played enough that it’s clear Jernigan is one of the nation’s top returning tackles. Jernigan is expected to step into a starting role this fall, and he’s got the experience of 26 career games as a foundation. He’s quick into opponents’ backfields, as he had the most tackles amongst all FSU interior linemen in each of his first two seasons.

This year, Jernigan is a candidate for the Outland Trophy, which is given to the nation's top interior lineman, as well as the Lombardi Award, given to the nation's top lineman. He enters 2013 with 76 career tackles and 14 tackles for loss. If he picks up where he left off, Jernigan should have a breakout season. He finished 2012 strong, with 22 tackles, two tackles for loss and a sack in his final four games. He was also an impact player in the ACC title game win over Georgia Tech, when he had the team’s only sack.

The countdown