Former Florida State Linebacker Announces Transfer to Marshall
Florida State's depth took a hit at a couple of positions following spring practice as nine scholarship players chose to move on from the program. That included a pair of safeties (Omarion Cooper, Travis Jay) and linebackers (Brendan Gant, Stephen Dix Jr) as the defense finds itself slightly thin. The Seminoles are staying active in the NCAA Transfer Portal to replenish the losses as the coaching staff recently hosted UAB safety transfer Jaylen Key.
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Former Seminoles are also beginning to find landing spots elsewhere ahead of the 2023 season. On Wednesday evening, linebacker Stephen Dix Jr. announced that he was transferring to Marshall to continue his college career.
The rising redshirt junior becomes the third player that was on Florida State's roster last year to wind up with the Thundering Herd. Offensive tackle Lloyd Willis and linebacker Jadarius Green-McKnight are also at Marshall. Green-McKnight left the Seminoles before the season began while Willis stuck with the team through the Cheez-It Bowl victory against Oklahoma.
Dix Jr. committed to Florida State under former head coach Willie Taggart before following through with his pledge when Mike Norvell took over. He played a significant role during his first year in Tallahassee as he appeared in all nine games and started the final five contests of the season. Dix Jr. recorded a career-high 45 tackles and 3.5 tackles for loss. Finishing third on the team in tackles, he earned the Co-Devaughn Darling Defensive Freshman of the Year award.
The Florida native's impact dropped off over his final two seasons with the program. Dix Jr. spent the 2021 season as a reserve while contributing on special teams. He finished with 14 tackles and one pass breakup. A shoulder injury cost him this past year as Kalen DeLoach, Tatum Bethune, and DJ Lundy soaked up the majority of snaps at linebacker.
Though Dix Jr. returned to the field this spring and displayed some flashes, he wasn't expected to play a major role this upcoming season. Redshirt freshman Omar Graham Jr. and other young players on the unit may be asked to do more among the experienced talent that Florida State has returned to the room.
Dix Jr. is anticipated to have three years of eligibility remaining at Marshall. The Thundering Herd fielded former Seminole Khalan Laborn last season, who signed an undrafted free-agent deal with the San Francisco 49ers.
Outside of the veteran linebacker, other transfers out of Florida State such as defensive end Derrick McLendon (Colorado), linebacker Brendan Gant (Colorado), defensive tackle Bishop Thomas (Colorado), safety Omarion Cooper (Colorado), wide receiver Mycah Pittman (Utah), and offensive lineman Zane Herring (USF) have found new homes.
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