Other Spring Previews: Wide receiver | Quarterback | Running Back | Linebacker

The position coaches: Odell Haggins, 44, is the defensive tackles coach and is entering his 18th year of coaching at FSU, which is easily the longest run of any member of Jimbo Fisher's staff. DJ Eliot, 33, is entering his second year as the defensive ends coach.

Frontrunners - Defensive End:




Brandon Jenkins


Class for 2011 season: Junior


Size: 6-3, 258


2010 season review / 2011 Spring Preview: No player in college football may have improved more last season than Jenkins. After being a little-used back-up as a skinny freshman in 2009 (12 tackles, 0 sacks), Jenkins emerged as one of the nation's top defensive ends, tying for third in the FBS in sacks (13.5) and tying for fifth in tackles for loss (21.5). The Tallahassee native not only proved to be a great pass rusher, but also a force against the run, finishing sixth on the team with 63 tackles (42 solo). He had shoulder surgery soon after the season, but was able to return for spring workouts and has bulked up to around 258 pounds, up from the 234 he weighed two years ago. This spring, he needs to work on facing more double teams. After such a strong sophomore season, he is sure to draw more attention from defenses, especially with the loss of FSU's other starting defensive end (Markus White). With a strong junior year, he can put himself in strong position to leave early for the NFL draft and be a first-day pick (top three rounds).

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