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The NCAA’s transfer portal for college football players doesn’t technically open for business until next week.
But one team that has been hit hard by the announcement of departures is Missouri.
Numerous Tigers have declared their intention to transfer so far this week.
And Missouri will be losing another key player as well, as one of its top defenders announced Wednesday that he would be declaring for the NFL Draft.
Martez Manuel made his intention known via Twitter, thanking his teammates and Missouri fans in a statement that can be found in the following tweet:
Keep going, keep growing❤️?
Forever MIZ… pic.twitter.com/9gMuObiwmW— Tezo (@martezmanuel13) November 30, 2022
Manuel, who’s a native of Columbia, recorded 48 tackles, 9.5 tackles for losses, 4 sacks this season. He also recorded 77 tackles and an interception in 2021 as a junior.
The 6-0, 213-pounder could have had the option to return to Missouri for an extra season but instead will pursue a professional career.
The Tigers finished their season at 6-6 and are waiting to see where they’ll be headed for a bowl game.
"Chris Wallace covers college football for Saturday Down South. He has covered college athletics for multiple newspapers and also worked previously for Rivals.com and GolfChannel.com."
