BREAKING: Three Michigan State wide receivers, another O-lineman enter transfer portal

The mass exodus is on in East Lansing...

Author:
Matthew Lounsberry
Publish date:
Nov 28, 2023 4:17 PM EST

In this story:

Roster turnover is underway in East Lansing as Michigan State football continues to lose players to the NCAA transfer portal days after its regular season-finale.

After six Spartans entered the portal on Monday, former starting quarterback Noah Kim got Tuesday's departures started. By roughly an hour later, four more Michigan State players had declared intentions to leave the program — offensive lineman Geno VanDeMark and wide receivers Christian Fitzpatrick, Tyrell Henry and Jaron Glover.

Glover, a redshirt freshman, played in nine games across two seasons at Michigan State, including eight games this past season. In his career, Glover has recorded 15 receptions for 261 receiving yards. After taking a redshirt season in 2022, Glover has three seasons of collegiate eligibility remaining.

Fitzpatrick, a redshirt junior who transferred to MSU from Louisville in 2021, appeared in 28 games over the last three seasons with the Spartans. He tallied 272 receiving yards with one touchdown on 22 receptions. He enters the portal as a graduate transfer with two seasons of eligibility remaining.

Henry, a sophomore, was Michigan State's primary kick and punt returner over the past two seasons and found playing time at receiver as well in 2023. This season, Henry recorded 195 receiving yards on 24 receptions with three touchdowns. In two years as a return specialist, Henry totaled 388 kick return yards on 22 attempts (17.6 average) and 89 punt return yards on 13 attempts (6.8 average). He has two seasons of eligibility remaining.

"First and foremost, I would like to thank God, as he has blessed me with a special gift and talent to play the game I have grown to love," Henry posted on social media. "Now, I would like to thank my coaches and teammates for the experiences and lessons throughout the past two years of my life. I will forever be grateful for the opportunity to showcase my talents to the Spartan community."

VanDeMark, a redshirt sophomore, was Michigan State's starter at right guard in eight games this season. He missed four games due to injury. For his career, VanDeMark appeared in 18 games with 10 career starts. He has two seasons of eligibility remaining.

"I would like to thank my teammates, coaches, and Spartan Nation for teh countless memories and support over the last 3 years," VanDeMark posted to social media. "But after much consideration, I have decided to enter the transfer portal on December 4th."

Michigan State concluded its 2023 regular season with a 42-0 loss to No. 11 Penn State last Friday, and announced the hire of new head coach Jonathan Smith (Oregon State) on Saturday. Since then, 10 MSU players have entered the transfer portal, including all three scholarship quarterbacks — Kim, Katin Houser and Sam Leavitt. Additionally, linebacker Darius Snow and offensive lineman Spencer Brown, Ethan Boyd and Kevin Wigenton have departed the program.

Four other Spartans entered the portal during the 30-day window which opened to the program after former head coach Mel Tucker was fired — long snapper Hank Pepper, offensive lineman Keyshawn Blackstock, running back Jordon Simmons and defensive back Justin White. Additionally, defensive end Tunmise Adeleye, has left the program and will likely enter the portal on Dec. 4. Cornerback Terry Roberts, who transferred to MSU from Iowa last offseason, left the program before the season began and never played for the Spartans. All transfer portal activity for Michigan State football can be viewed here.

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