Penn State lands transfer portal receiver Malik McClain
Penn State has picked up its second transfer portal commitment in January. The Lions officially landed former Florida State receiver Malik McClain on Wednesday, which is when he began classes in State College.
McClain is the second pass catcher to pick the Lions this month after former Kent State receiver Dante Cephas did so on Sunday. McClain spent two seasons with the Seminoles and has three years to play two more. He caught 16 passes for 190 yards and two scores as a freshman and made 17 catches for 206 yards and three touchdowns this past season in a crowded position room for the ACC program. He entered the portal on Jan. 11.
A Daphne, Ala., native, McClain is a graduate of IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla., and stands 6-foot-4, 200 pounds. His decision to leave FSU comes after he was in and out of the starting lineup and also dealt with at least one injury in 2022.
Penn State will have McClain on campus for spring practice. Cephas, meanwhile, will not arrive until later this year. The Lions are likely done in the transfer portal now at the position and made both additions following the firing of previous receivers coach Taylor Stubblefield, who was let go on Jan. 15.
Penn State still seeks a receivers coach
Head coach James Franklin relieved Stubblefield of his duties after only two seasons in State College. He was fine as a position coach and recruiter but not exemplary. A national search is underway and a quick decision is likely as the Lions coaching staff continues to hit the road during the January contact period. It marks their last chance to see recruits until March.
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“I would like to thank Taylor for his efforts during his time with Penn State but feel it is in our program’s best interest to make a change at this time,” Franklin said in a statement.
“I wish him and his family nothing but the best in the future.”
Whoever Franklin picks will be his fifth receivers coach in 10 years. Josh Gattis was his first. David Corley replaced him, followed by Gerad Parker. When he left for West Virginia, Stubblefield was hired away from Miami. He’s been here ever since before his departure.
“As my time at Penn State has drawn to a close, I want to extend a debt of gratitude to all of my players for trusting me,” Stubblefield wrote, “buying in, allowing me to coach them and for giving me their all.
“I’m so proud of the contributions the wide receivers have made to this team.”
