Florida State Loses Another Defender to the NCAA Transfer Portal
The transfer portal has been a whirlwind for the Florida State Seminoles during the current spring cycle, which is set to close on April 30. The defensive side of the ball has taken hits, losing players like defensive end and Derrick McClendon II linebacker Brendan Gant to the Colorado Buffaloes during head coach Deion Sanders' massive exodus heading into his first year in Boulder.
READ MORE: Former FSU Defensive End Commits to Colorado After Leaving Program In March
FSU defensive tackle Joshua Farmer announced his intentions to enter the portal earlier in the week, placed his name in the portal, and then withdrew it on Thursday night.
The latest player to test the waters in the portal is safety Omarion "Duke" Cooper. Cooper started at cornerback in 2021 and at times in 2022 before switching to safety full-time during spring camp.
Cooper, a 4-star prospect out of Lehigh Acres, FL, was entering his third season in Tallahassee and had a season-high of four tackles in the week one showdown against the LSU Tigers to start the year. His season high one interception came against the Boston College War Eagles. All in all, Cooper played in 20 games for the 'Noles with seven starts. He totaled 30 career tackles, 21 solo, with one forced fumble and three interceptions.
Starting to come into his own, Cooper switched to safety and was projected to be in the rotation alongside teammates Shyheim Brown and Akeem Dent but was hampered by an undisclosed injury causing him to fall back on the depth chart.
Former teammates such as defensive tackle Antavious Woody, offensive lineman Zane Herring and linebacker Stephen Dix Jr. have also entered the portal and are looking for greener pastures.
READ MORE: Joshua Farmer Reverses Course, Returning to Florida State
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