Michigan State DE Michael Fletcher entering transfer portal

Michigan State is apparently losing a veteran defensive lineman.

Redshirt junior defensive end Michael Fletcher is in the transfer portal, a program spokesman confirmed on Saturday night.

Fletcher, 6-foot-6 and 260 pounds, is a former three-star prospect from Flint Carman-Ainsworth High School who signed with Michigan State’s 2019 recruiting class and took a redshirt as a true freshman. He has appeared in 22 career games with three starts for the Spartans.

After posting 12 tackles, including three sacks, in the pandemic-altered 2020 season, Fletcher had only six tackles while appearing in six games last season. He has 13 tackles in eight games this season.

Michigan State closed the regular season with a loss at Penn State last week to drop to 5-7 and it appears all but certain the Spartans won’t be in a bowl game.

Michigan State DT Jacob Slade declares for NFL draft

Fletcher is the third Michigan State player to announce they’re going into the portal since the season began, following receiver Terry Lockett Jr. and kicker Jack Stone. Additionally, there are three Spartans with remaining eligibility who announced they’ve declared for the NFL draft in receiver Jayden Reed, defensive tackle Jacob Slade and linebacker Ben VanSumeren.

Injuries and suspensions reduced Michigan State’s depth on defense late in the season, including at end. Fletcher played while banged up and the Spartans used converted tackles Dashaun Mallory and Jalen Hunt on the edge.

Related Michigan State football stories:

At 5-7, where do Mel Tucker and Michigan State go from here?

Doors appear finally closed on Michigan State’s slim bowl hopes

10 reasons why Michigan State went from 11-2 to a losing record

Jayden Reed, Keon Coleman lead Michigan State’s All-Big Ten selections on offense

Shorthanded Michigan State learns to be ready or ‘get exposed’

©2022 Advance Local Media LLC. Visit mlive.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.