FSU football: 5 players from 2019 recruiting class need to shine in 2022

By Kelvin Hunt | Feb 22, 2022

Sep 18, 2021; Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA; Florida State Seminoles defensive back Akeem Dent Sr. (27) listens to defensive coordinator Adam Fuller (left) as he talks with the defensive unit during the second half against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at Truist Field. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /

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(Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

Derrick McClendon

Derrick McClendon was the eleventh highest-rated player in the 2021 recruiting class. He appeared in four games and finished with one tackle in the 2020 campaign.

McClendon only appeared in nine games in 2020 but made a couple of splash plays against ACC competition. However, that flash in the pan didn’t last long as he appeared in 10 games and finished the season with eight tackles.

McClendon seemed like someone emerging a bit as a depth piece in 2021. He appeared in all 12 games, finishing with 16 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and 4.5 tackles for a loss.

I have already mentioned the need for some players to emerge at the defensive end position in 2022 with the departures of Keir Thomas and Jermaine Johnson.

McClendon played behind Keir Thomas last year, and will likely battle Dennis Briggs Jr. for playing time in 2022. I think there’s something to work with here in McClendon.

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