Washington continued to remodel the interior of their defensive line today with a commitment from Mississippi State transfer DT Kai McClendon.
McClendon is listed at 6’2 and 315 pounds and is originally from Gulfport, Mississippi. He committed to in-state Mississippi State as his only SEC offer as a mid three-star recruit in the class of 2024. McClendon made an early impact as the backup nose tackle on that team and partway through the season moved into the starting lineup. He ultimately finished 10th on the Bulldogs in total defensive snaps and finished 2nd among DTs. McClendon finished the season with 21 total tackles and 0.5 sacks.
It was expected that McClendon would similarly play a starting role on the 2025 defense but unfortunately he tore his ACL during spring practice last year and missed this past season. The timing of that injury though should mean that McClendon is fully healthy by the time this season rolls around. He also visited Arkansas this portal cycle and should have 3 years of eligibility remaining.
The Huskies have already brought in Sacramento State transfer DeSean Watts who is an almost identical size as well as Ball State transfer Darin Conley who is more of a DL/ED hybrid pass rusher. One of those three will likely start alongside Elinneus Davis on the interior for Washington but whether it ends up being McClendon will depend on how well he recovers from his knee injury. Washington needed bodies as they are replacing the graduating Uiagalelei, Thompson, Pepa, and Sagapolu while losing Butler and Smith to the transfer portal. Combined with 3 new incoming true freshmen (TI Umu-Cais, Ta’a Malu, and JD Hill) this keeps UW at an even number of bodies as they had last season.
Welcome to Seattle, Kai!