Florida State loses starting defensive lineman to transfer portal, per report

Florida State is reportedly losing a key member of its defensive line to the transfer portal.

According to 247Sports’s Brendan Sonnone, redshirt junior Derrick McLendon is now in the portal as a graduate transfer.

Entering the portal as a graduate transfer means McLendon can maintain his eligibility while entering the portal outside of the NCAA’s designated transfer windows.

If McLendon does decide to move on, it would be a notable loss for Florida State. McLendon started 12 games for the Noles last season and has 7 sacks over the past 2 years.

In his career at FSU, McLendon has recorded 60 total tackles, 12 tackles for loss and 1 forced fumble.

What this means for Florida State

McLendon was certainly expected to be in FSU’s defensive line rotation in 2023, if not start. However, the N

oles do have depth at defensive end.

Florida State brought in South Carolina transfer Gilber Edmond this offseason. It’s possible Edmond has made big strides this spring and would have been slated to start over McLendon in the fall. Edmond had a breakout year in 2022, recording 9 tackles for loss at South Carolina.

FSU will also have the option of pursuing additional depth via the portal. The Noles have already brought in 9 transfers this offseason, but more could be coming in the spring.

The spring transfer window opens on May 1.