Florida State loses big-time wide receiver to NCAA Transfer Portal
Florida State football has seen its most significant entry into the transfer portal Friday.
Receiver Mycah Pittman announced he would be entering the NCAA Transfer Portal on Twitter a day after the Seminoles avoided a significant departure in defensive lineman Joshua Farmer.
Pittman, a redshirt senior from Tampa, was the Seminoles' second-leading receiver last season with 32 passes for 330 yards and three touchdowns. He also provided value as a blocker and in punt returning with a team-high 18 returns for 9.4 average and long return of 34 yards.
Pittman, a 5-foot-11, 200-pounder, played in all 13 games with seven starts in his lone season at FSU.
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Pittman missed FSU's spring practice following surgery
Pittman, an honorable mention All-ACC specialist last season, missed all of the spring football after undergoing surgery for a torn labrum in his hip in March.
He announced his injury on his YouTube Vlog, citing he would be out for four-to-six months.
He also stated doubts he would play in 2023.
"I do not know if I will be able to make it back during the season,” Pittman said in his Vlog in March. “But we have a great training staff and great people around me that’s going to help me try to get back.”
FSU Mike Norvell had told the local media during the week Pittman was out for the spring but did not specify his absence.
Pittman was not observed at FSU spring practices until April 11, one month after he announced the news of his surgery.
"Mycah we've kept inside the last few weeks after he put out the surgery news and he advertised what happened," Norvell said following the April 11 practice. "We kept him inside. He's doing a remarkable job and is feeling good, coming along well."
Pittman, who appeared in 22 games with 12 starts at Oregon prior to FSU, is the eighth player to enter the portal for Florida State.
Redshirt freshman and 2022 FSU Scout Team Player of the Year Bishop Thomas was removed from the roster and was expected to enter the portal earlier the day Friday.
The list also includes defensive back Omarion Cooper, defensive lineman Derrick McLendon, linebacker Brendan Gant, redshirt freshman defensive lineman Antavious Woody, and redshirt sophomore linebacker Stephen Dix Jr.
Local product and offensive lineman Zane Herring, who played at Madison County, entered the portal last week The redshirt sophomore appeared in a reserve role in all 13 games last season.
The spring transfer portal closes April 30.
Farmer announced his decision to withdraw his name earlier in the day Thursday.
What it means
FSU was likely entering the season with the assumption that Pittman would miss the season opener against LSU on Sept. 3 in Orlando.
But now they have to prepare for the season without him.
Receiver Johnny Wilson is still entrenched as the No. 1 receiver and the favorite for quarterback Jordan Travis. Redshirt sophomore Kentron Poitier was a standout during the spring and is the favorite for the other outside receiving position.
Wilson, an Arizona State transfer, caught 43 passes for 897 yards and five touchdowns in 2022. He averaged 20.9 yards per catch, catching 22 balls from quarterback Jordan Travis which resulted in 20 yards or more.
Ja'Khi Douglas and Winston Wright, who missed all of last season with a leg injury, are the favorites to play a lot of snaps out of the slot.
Douglas returned from a preseason injury to finish with appear 10 receptions for 123 yards and two touchdowns in the final seven games. Wright led West Virginia with 63 receptions, 688 receiving yards and five touchdowns in 2021.
Freshmen Hykeem Williams and Vandrevius Jacobs have both shown flashes in spring practices and could be ready to contribute.
Deuce Spann and Darion Williamson are also back on the roster and can be expected to have larger roles.
Returning tight end Markeston Douglas as well as transfer tight ends Jaheim Bell (South Carolina) and Kyle Morlock (Shorter) could see additional work, too.
FSU adding a potential receiver in the portal also shouldn't be ruled out.
Pittman’s biggest impact was on punt return. The team has been trying multiple players in that role.
Reach Ehsan Kassim at ekassim@gannett.com or follow him on Twitter at @Ehsan_Kassim. You can also follow our coverage on Facebook (NoleSports) and Instagram (tlhnolesports).
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This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: FSU football: Receiver Mycah Pittman to enter transfer portal
