FSU football: Reaction to WR Malik McClain entering transfer portal

FSU football has gained some great talent from the transfer portal, and one by-product is they will lose some to the portal.

That’s what happened at the wide receiver position with former blue-chip Malik McClain. McClain signed with the Noles in the 2021 recruiting cycle and contributed in his first two seasons.

He caught 33 passes for 696 yards and five touchdowns after that time span and never seemed to make the leap needed as a sophomore.

A talented receiver with size, McClain dropped several catchable passes this past season that would have changed his production significantly, and likely his role on the team. A position of weakness in 2021, the wide receiver spot is now one of the best on the team, with five-star Hykeem Williams entering the fold this spring.

Also, transfer Winston Wright will join the team as a full participant after missing all last year due to injuries suffered in a car accident.

All-ACC performers Johnny Wilson and Mycah Pittman return, along with freshmen Vandrevius Jacobs and Darren Lawrence.

It’s a crowded room with immense talent. I’m not too surprised McClain entered the portal, just that he waited so long to do it with FSU’s spring semester already underway.

McClain committed from FSU as a commit at one time and entertained Ole Miss before ultimately resigning with the Noles out of high school.

McClain has some value with his size and speed if he can become a more consistent player. That’s usually the case with wide receivers as they get older and mature, but he likely wouldn’t have gotten the reps to see that come to fruition in 2023.

By all accounts, McClain is a good guy with a solid work ethic, and I wish him nothing but success in the future. Go be great young man!