Former Osceola DL, Oklahoma transfer Derrick LeBlanc heading to UCF

Derrick LeBlanc is returning to Orlando. The 2023 Osceola 4-star defensive lineman and Oklahoma freshman announced on social media Monday he’s transferring to UCF to join the Knights in the Big 12 Conference. LeBlanc, who enrolled at Oklahoma in January and spent the spring semester with the Sooners, entered the NCAA transfer portal early last week citing “unforeseen circumstances back home” that made him want to return to Florida. The decision is not only a homecoming for LeBlanc but also a reunion between him and UCF freshman John Walker. The two played alongside each other in high school and were highly rated prospects in the last recruiting cycle. LeBlanc, listed at 6-foot-5, 278 pounds, was ranked as the nation’s No. 246 overall prospect and the No. 33 defensive lineman in the country according to the 247Sports Composite that combines prospect rankings listed by major recruiting services. Walker, who became the highest-rated recruit to ever sign with the Knights out of high school, was the No. 14 defensive lineman last cycle and ranked No. 99 nationally. Although he and LeBlanc went their separate ways out of high school, they now join each other again at the Orlando school that’s made eight additions to its roster from the transfer portal this offseason. Locally, LeBlanc ranked No. 5 in the Sentinel’s Central Florida Super60 for 2023, just one spot behind Walker. LeBlanc, however, will likely have to wait to join Walker on the football field. That’s because he entered the portal after the 15-day NCAA transfer window that closed on April 30. To play immediately this season, LeBlanc would need to receive a waiver from the NCAA. LeBlanc will be worth the wait for the Knights. Coming out of high school, LeBlanc was viewed as a big-framed pass rusher with serious NFL draft potential down the line according to industry experts. “[He] will likely need a few semesters in the weight room to add some functional strength, but [he] has some of the required traits to eventually make a difference up front at the Power Five level,” 247Sports director of scouting Andrew Ivins wrote last October about LeBlanc. “[He] could emerge as an impact player at some point down the line and possibly even an early-round NFL draft pick with his measurables, but [he] must buy into the process and put in some sweat equity as he needs to improve overall technique. “Ultimately, [he] should be viewed as a boom or bust prospect at a position where most decision-makers aren’t afraid to roll the dice.” A 2022 Under Armour All-American, LeBlanc compiled 136 tackles, 32 tackles for loss, 28 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, 2 pass breakups and a fumble recovery over his high school career.