Gators DL Chris McClellan Enters Transfer Portal

Florida loses a key piece in the defensive line rotation as sophomore Chris McClellan enters the transfer portal.

Gators sophomore defensive lineman Chris McClellan will enter the NCAA Transfer Portal after spending two seasons in Gainesville, he announced Sunday night. 

Forever a Gator🫶🏾 pic.twitter.com/rxeExK2tH5

— Chris McClellan 7️⃣🦍 (@ChrisDMac10) December 4, 2023

“I would like to begin by expressing my sincere appreciation to God for His guidance, without which none of this would have been possible,” McClellan wrote via social media. “I also want to acknowledge and thank Coach Napier and the University of Florida for providing me with invaluable opportunities and life-changing experiences that have shaped me. 

“However, after careful consideration and heartfelt conversations with my family, I have reached a difficult decision to enter the transfer portal. I want to take a moment to express my utmost gratitude to my teammates and coaches, who have been by my side throughout my journey and have taught me valuable lessons that I will carry with me forever. The bonds that have been formed will alwavs hold a special place in my heart. Lastly, I want to express my gratitude to the Gator Nation for embracing a young person from Oklahoma who will continue to pursue his dreams.” 

One of the first pieces acquired following the release of Dan Mullen as UF's head coach in 2021, the 6-foot-3, 320-pound three-technique prospect committed to Florida without a head coach or position assistant in place. 

His blind faith in the program provided a valuable foundation at a position of need for Billy Napier and Co. upon their arrival, inheriting an uber-talented defensive line prospect who ranked as the No. 16 DL and No. 113 overall player in the 2022 recruiting class.

Flashing considerable promise as a disruptive piece in the trenches toward the end of his true freshman season in 2022, McClellan was considered to be a key building block in the Gators' compilation of talent on the interior defensive line. 

McClellan reassumed his duties within rotation in year two, seeing transfer Cam Jackson and Caleb Banks take over the unit’s starting roles as Florida made a concerted effort to improve its effectiveness and depth along the interior.

Appearing in all 12 contests as a backup for the Gators, the Owasso, Okla., native accounted for 23 tackles — matching his freshman season total — and half a sack on the year. 

However, following a tumultuous 5-7 campaign and the dismissal of his position coach Sean Spencer a week ago, McClellan began to evaluate his future at the collegiate level. He ultimately elected to test his luck on the open market for a new home to play out his remaining eligibility. 

He finishes his Florida career having accounted for 46 tackles, two sacks and one fumble recovery in 25 outings.

McClellan becomes the 12th Gator with announced and/or reported intentions to depart from the program via the transfer portal this offseason. He joins defensive back Jadarrius Perkins, offensive tackle Jordan Herman, tight end Jonathan Odom, kicker Adam Mihalek, defensive back Kamari Wilson, defensive lineman Will Norman, quarterback Max Brown, wide receiver Caleb Douglas, wide receiver Thai Chiaokhiao-Bowman, defensive lineman Keenan Landry and tight end Andrew Savaiinaea as pieces Florida will have to replace before the 2024 campaign. 

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