EXCLUSIVE: Former FSU Defensive End Declares for NFL Draft After One Season at Colorado
In 2023, the Colorado Buffaloes, led by new head coach Deion Sanders, were highly anticipated. Former Seminole outside linebacker Derrick McLendon II was one of the approximately fifty new players Sanders was able to bring in to rebuild a 1-11 team.
After playing one season as a backup at Boulder, McLendon revealed on Wednesday that he was going to declare for the 2024 NFL Draft, even though he still had one year of eligibility remaining. In all, he recorded 17 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and two recoveries of fumbles. Because to the COVID-19 epidemic, McLendon was given an extra year, although he plans to play in the NFL.
“These last five years have equipped me to make this choice.” I want to begin by giving thanks to God first and foremost. I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for His unending gifts of health, mental clarity, and skill at this game,” McLendon posted on Instagram. “I also want to express my gratitude to my loved ones, friends, trainers, coaches, and supporters for their unwavering support and affection during this difficult road. This process would have been significantly more challenging without all of you.”
Before moving to Colorado a season ago, McLendon played for four years at Florida State, starting twelve of the last thirteen games. While at Tallahassee, he amassed 41 tackles, including 5.5 for loss, four sacks, and a fumble recovery.
“I will treasure every memory I made on Bobby Bowden Field and Folsom Field, to the Buff and Seminole people. My honesty, sportsmanship, and pursuit of perfection have all improved as a result of these experiences,” McLendon wrote. “With that being said, I will be foregoing my last season of College Football and declaring for the 2024 NFL Draft.”
