Florida State tight end Mavin Saunders to transfer

Redshirt junior Mavin Saunders is transferring from Florida State, he announced Tuesday.

“First and foremost, I would like to thank Coach Fisher and his coaching staff for giving me a chance to play at such a great university,” wrote the tight end in a Twitter post. “I truly enjoyed my time here in Tallahassee. After much thought I have decided to transfer and play my final season of eligibility."

Saunders appeared in one game in the 2014 season before receiving a medical redshirt.

In 2015, he saw the field in eight games, starting two. He finished the year with six receptions for 52 yards. 2016 was his most successful year, totaling 10 catches for 182 yards.

Saunders had not recorded a catch in 2017, but was named to the AFCA Good Works team this year due to his work volunteering at John G. Riley Elementary School in Tallahassee.

He started the year listed second on the depth chart, having shown improvement in 2016, but failed to make an impact in his redshirt junior year.

With his departure, the lane for freshmen Tre McKitty and Alexander Marshall to contribute more is now open. There’s also sophomore Naseir Upshur, who was a four-star recruit but has so far been limited in playing time.