Former FSU Defensive End Officially Visits Another SEC Program

The former Seminole is quickly exploring his options in the NCAA Transfer Portal.

Activity in the NCAA Transfer Portal is going to pick up over the next couple of weeks with the spring window set to open on May 1. At this point, only graduate transfers can declare their intentions to search for a new opportunity elsewhere.

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At the end of March, Florida State lost an experienced player on its defense when redshirt junior Derrick McLendon II elected to test out the portal. McLendon earned his bachelor's degree at the conclusion of the fall semester, giving him the opportunity to explore his options as a grad transfer. 

Earlier this week, the Georgia native took an official visit to South Carolina, his first trip since entering the portal. The Gamecocks are replacing a lot of production on their defensive line, including starter Gilber Edmond, who transferred to Florida State in January.

McLendon is continuing to explore his options and it seems another program out of the SEC is interested in his services. According to his social media, he began an official visit to Missouri on Friday. The Tigers are losing three defensive ends from last season, including Isaiah McGuire and DJ Coleman, who declared for the 2023 NFL Draft.

The 6-foot-4, 245-pound defensive end is coming off the best season of his collegiate career. He appeared in all 13 games, with 12 starts, and recorded 37 tackles, five tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, and one fumble recovery. Following the season, He was one of six Seminoles honored with the Bill McGrotha award, which is presented to the top humanitarians on the team.

Prior to 2022, McLendon spent most of his time with the program as a reserve after originally signing with Florida State as a member of the 2019 class under former head coach Willie Taggart. He decided to stick through the transition to Mike Norvell and it paid off last season. McLendon appeared in 38 games over four years and recorded 60 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, seven sacks, one forced fumble, and two fumble recoveries with the Seminoles.

Florida State's depth on the edge is certainly taking a hit with McLendon moving on but there is plenty of talent waiting in the wings. Star defensive end Jared Verse is back for another season and redshirt sophomore Patrick Payton looks ready to play a bigger role. Gilber Edmond and Byron Turner Jr. are expected to be in the rotation as well.

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