Four-star DE McLendon closes in on decision after latest FSU visit

Four-star defensive end Derrick McLendon made yet another visit to Florida State this week -- his third of the year -- and the Tucker, Ga., product again came away very impressed.

While McLendon hasn't announced his college choice just yet, it certainly appears the Florida State Seminoles have positioned themselves in a very good spot.

"It was a great time for sure," McLendon said Friday afternoon. "They always make it feel like home. It's becoming that more every time I'm here. At the end of June, I'm going to make my commitment. This visit was just like the other one. Not just good, but really great. I spent the most time with the entire coaching staff."

The journey isn't quite wrapped up yet, though, as McLendon said he will take an official visit to N.C. State on June 14. He also plans on taking an official visit to Florida State, but McLendon added that will come after his decision is made.

So, does that mean he already has his college choice in mind?

"Yes, I know where I'm going," he said. "The school I'll go to is the one where I feel it's genuine, family oriented and a head coach that reminds me of my coach at Tucker. Those are some of the reasons."

Earlier this year, McLendon enjoyed one of his trips to FSU so much that he spent 11 straight hours on campus. This visit was a little shorter at eight hours, but not by much.

And McLendon said he enjoyed spending time with assistant coaches David Kelly and Odell Haggins -- who are his main recruiters -- and defensive ends coach Mark Snyder.

"Coach Kelly has been really good friends with me and my father for a long time," McLendon said. "Then with Coach Odell, he's seen and produced so many great defensive linemen. So we are also very close. Then with Coach Snyder, he knows the defensive end position so well. I feel comfortable with all three."

One of the things Snyder emphasized to McLendon is that the Seminoles are confident he has the versatility to play either defensive end position.

"He feels I can play both defensive end positions in either being a speed rusher or a power guy on the opposite side," the four-star prospect said. "They are going to run a four-man front, so it fits me really well."