Former FSU Football WR Transfers for Second Time, Joins Former Coach at Arizona State

Former Florida State offensive coordinator and now-head coach Kenny Dillingham served under Mike Norvell during the 2020 and 2021 seasons.

Jackson Bakich | May 13, 2024

Oct 9, 2021; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; Florida State Seminoles wide receiver Malik McClain / James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports

Former Florida State and Penn State wide receiver Malik McClain has transferred to Arizona State. He will join former FSU teammate (and pass catcher), tight end Markeston Douglas. and former Florida State offensive coordinator turned ASU head coach, Kenny Dillingham. McClain played under Dillingham at FSU during the 2021 season.

Penn State transfer wide receiver Malik McClain has committed to Arizona State.

📸 @MalikMcClain11 pic.twitter.com/9bnQNo0RtH
— Sidelines Transfer Portal (@SSN_Portal) May 13, 2024

As a part of the Seminoles’ 2021 high school recruiting class, McClain spent the first two years of his collegiate career in Tallahassee and played in 25 games.

In 2021 as a true freshman, McClain started in nine of 12 games, catching 16 passes for 190 yards with two touchdowns. In 2022, McClain put up better numbers in year two under head coach Mike Norvell but only managed to crack the starting lineup three times. He caught 17 passes for 206 yards with three touchdowns and appeared in all of FSU’s 13 games.

He then transferred to Penn State in January of 2023 but failed to match his production. During his time in University Park, McClain played in 13 games but only managed six receptions for 71 yards and a touchdown.

According to All Penn State, Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin said this about McClain:

"[McClain is] one of the harder-working guys on the team," Franklin said, "always has a smile on his face. He's very impactful on special teams and on offense, in practice and in games, has shown some really good signs. But it's about consistency."
- James Franklin, PSU head coach

The 6’4”, 206-pound Daphne, Alabama native was a four-star recruit coming out of high school. He will have one year of eligibility remaining.

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Published May 13, 2024

JACKSON BAKICH

Born in Orlando but raised in Lake County, Florida, Jackson Bakich is currently a senior at Florida State University. Growing up in the Sunshine State, Bakich co-hosted the political talk radio show "Lake County Roundtable" (WLBE) and was a frequent guest for "Lake County Sports Show" (WQBQ). Currently, he is the Sports Editor of the FSView and host of "Tomahawk Talk" (WVFS), a sports talk radio program covering Florida State athletics in Tallahassee.