Salisbury (CT) Salisbury School Lineman Bjoern Werner Signs With Florida State

Bjeorn Werner (pronounced Be-orn) is a native of Berlin.  He picked up American football after an ankle injury derailed his soccer career.  He will be expected to contribute immediately as he is a grown man.

Height: 6'4"
Weight: 270 (very lean, great frame)
40: 4.7
ESPN: 4*/ #24 DE
Rivals:3* (5.6)/ #61 DT
Scout:3*/ #45 DT
Other offers:  Boston College, Oregon, NC State, Miami, Maryland, Cal.  Florida pursued and had serious interest.
Academics: No known qualifying issues
Birth date: 08/30/1990 (Werner will be 20 in August of the 2010 season).  He is a mature guy and is engaged.

Werner is a tremendous player.  While under the old regime he would likely be a defensive tackle, he will play strongside defensive end for the 'Noles.  Werner is very tight with Florida State offensive coordinator/ tight ends coach/ recruiting coordinator James Coley, a strong candidate for the Rivals.com recruiter of the year award.  Per his twitter updates, Coley flew to Connecticut to see Werner at least two times.  The Salisbury School is also home to tight end Will Tye, Werner's teammate and Florida State target.  Werner visited Florida State on Friday the 15th and loved his visit.

ESPN's Robert Smith called him "Suh on the outside".  Werner said he loved the places FSU wis going and wanted to be part of something special.

First thing that jumps off the screen at you is his pursuit of the football. He understands pursuit angles and when he decides he is going to chase a play down he is usually successful. On contact with a ball carrier he is extremely violent. You can tell how raw he is by the way he uses his hands. His first step is not explosive but is quick, he possesses a good short\compact first step that a SDE needs. Is a very long, lean specimen-his body type reminds me of Grant Wistrom\Chris Long. Seems to be decisive, does not get stuck with his feet dead. Is a natural athlete that possesses good natural footwork.  Tremendous motor that cannot be coached.  He even played weakside linebacker for Salisbury. Werner has got amazing feet, from watching his tight end film. I wish we had more than just highlights because I want to see how much he's on the ground.  Has a violent punch that needs to be refined. Needs to work on keeping his elbows in closer to his body.

He could also make an excellent offensive lineman.  Good feet.

-Oline0175 (high school coach in Delaware)

Werner is one of the best prospects I have seen this year and I think he is one of the best 20 defensive linemen in the country.  With some coaching, he can develop some technique and dominate the college level.  He also has an interesting story:

He attends the Salisbury School in Connecticut. Werner is part of the USA Football's International Student Program.  He received financial aid from USA Football as part of the program.  USA Football is a non-profit organization leading the development of youth, high school, and international amateur football. The second-year outreach program, fueled by nine German students, looks to promote the country's most popular sport by bringing international students (16-19 years old) to American schools for academic, athletic, and cultural purposes.  Werner played his Junior year in Germany before returning to the states for his 2009 Senior season 

- ESPN's Chris Lawlor

Here is some impressive film.

After the jump, some more film on Werner.

This is his highlight tape from way back in 2007.  Werner has come a long way since then

Welcome to the family, Bjoern!

The TomahawkNation.com recruiting map has been updated to reflect the commitment.

Make sure to check the TomahawkNation.com Recruiting Board to stay current with all the 'Nole's current targets!