Although the 'Noles have seemed to dodge a few bullets in the transfer portal while adding a star-studded cast along the way, the depth chart on the defensive line will lose a rotational piece heading into the halfway point of spring.
On Monday, NoleGameday was informed by a Florida State spokesperson that redshirt junior defensive end Derrick McLendon II is no longer a member of the program. McLendon will enter the NCAA Transfer Portal to explore his options elsewhere.
McLendon is in his fifth year at FSU and coming off his best season as a Seminole in 2022. He amassed 37 tackles, 17 solo, five tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks last year while starting 12 games. His 37 tackles were more than the previous four years combined. Totaling 61 tackles, seven sacks, a forced fumble and 12.5 tackles for loss during his time in Tallahassee, he seemed to be turning into a solid rotational piece on what is projected to be a top-tier defensive front in the country this fall.
Coming in as a 4-star recruit out of Decatur, GA, McLendon showed promise as a high school recruit, ranking as the 37th weak-side defensive end by 247Sports and was named to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution AAAAAA preseason all-state team.
He joins players like running back Treshaun Ward (Kansas State), wide receiver Malik McClain (Penn State), defensive back Malik Feaster (Memphis), defensive back Sam McCall (TAMU) and Demorie Tate (portal) as players who transferred this past off-season.
Having players like DE Jared Verse and emerging star DE Patrick Payton paired with incoming edge defenders like Gilber Edmond, the starting roles are becoming a fierce competition.
McLendon is the first player to depart from Florida State's roster since the spring kicked off. He most certainly won't be the last with the team still over the 85-man scholarship limit.
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