Through the transfer channel, South Alabama adds a former Maine linebacker.
Former Maine inside linebacker Darius McKenzie became South Alabama’s first football transfer portal commitment of the spring 2024 season on Monday.
With two seasons left of eligibility, McKenzie recorded 37 tackles and three stops for loss in just five games for the 2023 Black Bears. He totaled 51 tackles, five tackles for loss, two sacks, and a forced fumble in his 14 games played at the FCS institution.
McKenzie made the following announcement about his committment on the social networking site X (previously Twitter):
At six feet three inches and 240 pounds, McKenzie is originally from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. At the same institution that turned forth former South Alabama players DK Bonhomme, Tremel States-Jones, and Caeleb Schlachter, he completed his high school education at Clearwater (Fla.) Academy International.
With the departure of James Miller, Trey Kiser, and Quentin Wilfawn, three 2023 seniors, plus the portal defection of expected starter Khalil Jacobs last week, South Alabama has a need at inside linebacker. McKenzie comes into a position group that includes Blayne Myrick, a sophomore, and Dalton Hughes, a junior, all of whom are in the running for starting roles.
Players who are already in the transfer portal can commit to and sign with new schools at any time; however, the system closed to new submissions on May 1. During the January portal period, the Jaguars signed seven players: kicker Laith Marjan (East Carolina), defensive lineman Bryston Dixon (Georgia Tech), outside linebacker Aakil Washington (Liberty), safety Lardarius Webb Jr. (Oklahoma State), tight end Andrew Bench (Bowling Green), offensive lineman Malachi Preciado (Purdue).
Summer exercises in South Alabama start in early June. The Jaguars play their home opener against North Texas on August 31, 2024.
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