South Alabama OL Dontae Lucas entering transfer portal

South Alabama OL Dontae Lucas entering transfer portal

Dontae Lucas, a 22-game starter at guard the last two seasons at South Alabama, announced Tuesday he’s entering the NCAA transfer portal.

Lucas, a native of Miami, Fla., has one season of eligibility remaining. He announced his decision on X, formerly known as Twitter:

The 6-foot-4, 322-pound Lucas is the second offensive starter to leave the South Alabama team and enter the transfer portal since the end of the regular season. All-Sun Belt wide receiver Caullin Lacy committed to Louisville last weekend.

Lucas started 11 of 13 games at left guard for the Jaguars in 2022, his first season after transferring from Florida State. He moved to right guard this season, and started 11 of 12 games.

Sophomore Reid Gavin is listed as Lucas’ backup on South Alabama’s depth chart for Saturday’s 68 Ventures Bowl vs. Eastern Michigan. Reed Buys, who took over as the starting left guard at midseason, has also seen time on the right side this season.

Lucas and seniors Joshua McCulloch and Reggie Smith are the only scholarship linemen among 14 on the South Alabama squad who are not set to return next season. The Jaguars also recently added Purdue transfer Malachi Preciado, who can play guard and center, through the transfer portal.

Lucas finished high school at IMG Academy, and played in 19 games with 14 starts at Florida State in 2019-2020. He played in only two games the following season before taking a redshirt year and entering the transfer portal, leaving him with an additional year of eligibility.

South Alabama (6-6) meets Eastern Michigan (6-6) in the 68 Ventures Bowl on Saturday at Hancock Whitney Stadium. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m., with television coverage on ESPN.