Seminoles behind Kamerion Wimbley and Marcello Church. His season-best performance came in the ACC Championship Game against Virginia Tech, when he recorded eight tackles, six solo, two quarterback sacks and two QB hurries. After Sims decided to forgo his senior season, Timmons took over as the starter at strongside linebacker. He had a great season recording 79 tackles and five sacks, and was honored with All-American third-team and All-Atlantic Coast Conference first-team. He finished his college career with 126 tackles and eight sacks. Professional career Pittsburgh Steelers 2007 season Timmons was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers 15th overall in the 2007 NFL Draft, and was the first player drafted under head coach Mike Tomlin. He began his rookie season as the backup right outside linebacker to James Harrison. He made his professional debut in the Steelers' season opener against the Cleveland Browns, making one tackle in the Steelers' victory. The following week, he made a season-high two solo tackles during a 26–3 victory over the Buffalo Bills. As a rookie, he was used rarely as a rotational player and on special teams but appeared in all 16 regular-season contests. He made 13 tackles throughout his rookie season. 2008 season The following season, he was moved over to right inside linebacker, backing up veteran Larry Foote on a Steelers defensive linebacking corps with veteran depth and talent that included himself, Foote, Harrison, LaMarr Woodley, and James Farrior. In the season opener, he made four solo tackles in a 38–17 victory over the Houston Texans. On September 29, 2008, Timmons made four combined tackles, a pass deflection, and sacked Baltimore Ravens' quarterback Joe Flacco for his first career sack as the Steelers defeated them, 23–20, in overtime on Monday Night Football. In Week 7, he had his best game of the season statistically, finishing with a season-high ten combined tackles and had a season-high two sacks after getting to Bengals' quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick twice during the Steelers' 38–10 victory. On November 3, 2008, Timmons earned his first career start during a victory over the Washington Redskins during Monday Night Football and finished the game with four combined tackles. On November 30, he made four tackles and intercepted Patriots's quarterback Matt Cassel for his first career interception during the Steelers' 33–10 victory. On January 11, 2009, he played in his first career playoff game when the Steelers defeated the San Diego Chargers, 35–24,