Veteran Offensive Lineman Leaving Florida State to Enter NCAA Transfer Portal

Four Seminoles have entered the NCAA Transfer Portal since spring practice concluded on Monday.

Florida State wrapped up spring practice on Monday and the team has seen multiple players depart for the NCAA Transfer Portal since then. The attrition continued on Thursday as veteran offensive lineman Zane Herring announced his decision to enter the portal and explore his options elsewhere.

READ MORE: Florida State Loses Veteran Linebacker to NCAA Transfer Portal

Herring is the fifth player to depart from the Seminoles' roster during the spring. He joins defensive end Derrick McLendon, linebacker Brendan Gant, defensive tackle Antavious Woody, and linebacker Stephen Dix Jr. in the portal. 

He thanked the coaching staff and fanbase for his time in Tallahassee with a message on social media.

Thank you for everything Florida State!🍢
I’m entering my name in the Transfer Portal with 3 years of Eligibility left! pic.twitter.com/tYsficmybo

— Zane Herring (@ZaneHerring51) April 20, 2023

The local product out of Madison County committed to former head coach Willie Taggart but stuck with his pledge when Mike Norvell was hired. Herring redshirted in 2020 while dealing with an injury before playing in 15 games over the last two years. That includes appearances in all 13 games in 2022 as a reserve offensive guard and a member of the field-goal unit.

Herring wasn't expected to be a major factor along the offensive line this upcoming season after Florida State added Casey Roddick and Keiondre Jones in the portal. Plus, the Seminoles got good news a few weeks ago when starting guard D'Mitri Emmanuel was provided a waiver for another year of eligibility. The unit is building out its depth as redshirt freshman Jaylen Early has displayed positive signs.

Those developments meant it would be tough for Herring to earn consistent playing time. Entering his fourth year at the college level, he's looking for an opportunity to contribute between the lines. Herring might be able to find a fit in the portal.

The redshirt junior is expected to have three years remaining at the college level due to the COVID-19 season. He stands at 6-foot-5, 315 pounds.

With his departure, Florida State still holds 17 scholarship offensive linemen. That includes Roddick, Jones, Emmanuel, Robert Scott, Maurice Smith, Darius Washington, Bless Harris, and Jeremiah Byers, who have started a combined 207 games at the FBS level entering 2023.

READ MORE: No. 1 Tight End Flips from Georgia to Florida State

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