Michigan State Starting Defensive Lineman Entering Transfer Portal

This is going to continue until the dust settles...

Author:
Matthew Lounsberry
Publish date:
Nov 29, 2023 2:20 PM EST

In this story:

Michigan State's football roster continues to be gutted by the NCAA transfer portal as the Spartans transition to a new era under head coach Jonathan Smith. Players recruited to East Lansing by previous coaching staffs, with no ties to Smith or the coaches he'll hire as assistants, are weighing their options in how and where to continue their college careers.

On Wednesday, one of Michigan State's top defensive players decided he would test the waters of outside interest. Redshirt sophomore and Detroit native Derrick Harmon is the latest Spartans to enter the transfer portal, announcing his decision on social media this afternoon.

"First and foremost, I want to thank God for allowing me to play the game I've loved since I was a child," Harmon wrote in his post. "Next, I want to thank my paretns for their support and assistance throughout this journey. I'd like to thank my teammates, y'all my brothers for life. I'd like to thank Coach [Mel] Tucker for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to play at this level in my home state. Next, I'd want to thank the Michigan State fans! You have shown nothing but love and appreciation!!! With that being said, I will be entering the transfer portal."

Harmon appeared in 28 games with 17 starts during his three-year Michigan State career, including all 12 this past season. The redshirt sophomore recorded 71 tackles, including 6.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks, as well as two pass deflections, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. Harmon has been one of the Spartans' best defensive players of the last two seasons, and he has two seasons of eligibility remaining.

Also on Wednesday, punter Michael O'Shaughnessy — who split duties with freshman Ryan Eckley early in the year before Eckley eventually won the job — also announced that he would enter the transfer portal. O'Shaughnessy transferred to MSU from Ohio State last offseason.

With the addition of Harmon and O'Shaughnessy, Michigan State has seen 13 players enter (or declare their intent to enter) the transfer portal since the conclusion of the 2023 season. This includes all three scholarship quarterbacks — Noah Kim, Katin Houser and Sam Leavitt — linebacker Darius Snow, offensive linemen Spencer Brown, Ethan Boyd, Kevin Wigenton and Geno VanDeMark, and wide receivers Jaron Glover, Tyrell Henry and Christian Fitzpatrick. Additionally, starting linebacker Aaron Brule has declared for the 2024 NFL Draft.

Four other Spartans entered the portal during the 30-day window which opened to the program after former head coach Mel Tucker was fired — long snapper Hank Pepper, offensive lineman Keyshawn Blackstock, running back Jordon Simmons and defensive back Justin White. Additionally, defensive end Tunmise Adeleye, has left the program and will likely enter the portal on Dec. 4. Cornerback Terry Roberts, who transferred to MSU from Iowa last offseason, left the program before the season began and never played for the Spartans. All transfer portal activity for Michigan State football can be viewed here.

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