Former Florida State linebacker taking first visit since entering transfer portal

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After entering his name in the transfer portal on Dec. 5, graduate transfer linebacker Amari Gainer is taking his first official visit to Cincinnati.
READ MORE: Reserve offensive tackle enters portal after three years at Florida State
Earlier this morning, the former Seminole linebacker made the announcement via Twitter. The visit is from Dec. 11-12.
✈️📍 @GoBearcatsFB pic.twitter.com/R7X4WSBevA
— AMARI FERRARI 🏎💨 (@AmariGainer) December 11, 2022
Gainer spent five seasons at FSU, including his redshirt year in 2018. He was a member of former head coach Willie Taggart's first recruiting class but stuck around and made eight starts in three seasons under current head coach Mike Norvell.
After he entered the transfer portal, Norvell tweeted in support of Gainer.
Such an incredible young man! Honored for the opportunity to coach him, great leader and explosive player. Will be a great asset to a program. #KeepCLIMBing Will always be a Nole! #NoleFamily https://t.co/bTpNReoOWH
— Mike Norvell (@Coach_Norvell) December 5, 2022
From 2019-21, Gainer totaled 193 tackles, five sacks and two forced fumbles. His 59 tackles in 2020 were a team-high. He also won the Bobby Bowden Leadership Award in 2020 according to Seminoles.com.
Cincinnati went 9-3 in the 2022 regular season and finished third in the American Athletic Conference (AAC). However, the Bearcats are leaving the AAC and joining the Big 12 starting in 2023.
After losing their former head coach Luke Fickell to Wisconsin, the Bearcats hired former Louisville head coach Scott Satterfield on Dec. 5.
Gainer suited up against Satterfield and the Cardinals three times during his FSU career. He registered 20 combined tackles in those three contests, with his best performance coming in the 2021 meeting (eight tackles, four solo, 0.5 for loss).
All statistics for this article were collected via College Football Sports Reference.
READ MORE: FSU star linebacker announces return for 2023 season
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Lewis joined NoleGameday in 2016 and is currently in the role of Editor-In-Chief. A graduate of Florida State, Lewis contributes to football, recruiting, and basketball coverage. Connect with Dustin on Twitter at @DustinLewisNG.
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