Numerous former Colorado Buffaloes are suiting up for the first NFL weekend of the regular season. While linebacker Derrick McLendon isn’t, he took a step in the right direction by signing with the Miami Dolphins practice squad on Tuesday.
McLendon arrived in Boulder as a graduate student ahead of CU football head coach Deion Sanders’ first season with the Buffs. The 6-foot-4, 250-pound linebacker played in all 12 games in 2023, racking up 14 tackles, 1.5 sacks and two fumble recoveries. After transferring out of Florida State, he came to CU with two years of eligibility but decided to forego his remaining eligibility after last season.
McLendon didn’t hear his name called in the 2024 NFL draft. However, he signed as an undrafted free agent with the Carolina Panthers and participated in their training camp.
Former Colorado wide receiver Xavier Weaver is the only Buff from last year’s team that made a 53-man roster, doing so with the Arizona Cardinals.
Unless an injury occurs, McLendon likely won’t make his NFL debut this year. Former Buffs tight end Brady Russell cracked the Seattle Seahawks’ 53-man roster this year after spending last season on their practice squad, though, so McLendon is pushing in the right direction.
Contact/Follow us @BuffaloesWire on X (Twitter), and like our page on Facebook for ongoing coverage of Colorado news, notes and opinions.