TK McLendon Jr.

PRO: The Titans signed TK McLendon Jr. as a rookie free agent after the 2023 NFL Draft. The 6-foot-4-inch, 275-pound defensive end began the season on the team's practice squad before being signed to the active roster. The Soperton, Ga., native played in seven games with two starts on the defensive front and recorded eight tackles, two quarterback pressures and a fumble recovery. The Eastern Kentucky product began his college career by spending two seasons each at Copiah-Lincoln Community College (MS) and Louisiana State before finishing as a graduate for the Colonels.

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS:
• In 2023 at Miami, McLendon Jr. recovered a Dolphins' fumble in the red zone after a Jaleel Johnson strip-sack in the first quarter of Monday Night Football, a crucial play in what would be a 28-27 Titans comeback win.
• He was named second team All-ASUN by Phil Steele in his final year at Eastern Kentucky after leading the team with 11.5 tackles for loss and six sacks.

TITANS TIDBITS:
• McLendon Jr. began his collegiate career as a tight end collecting eight receptions with two touchdowns while at Copiah-Lincoln Community College. He made the transition to defensive end while at Eastern Kentucky in 2021.

CAREER TRANSACTIONS:
• The Soperton, Ga., native was signed by the Titans as an undrafted free agent on May 12, 2023.
• Waived by the Titans on Aug. 29, 2023 and signed to the team's practice squad a day later.
• Activated from the practice squad to the active roster standard elevation on Nov. 11, 2023.
• Signed by the Titans to the active roster from the practice squad on Nov. 18, 2023.

COLLEGE:
During two seasons at Eastern Kentucky (2021-22), McLendon appeared in 21 games with 15 starts and recorded 82 tackles, seven sacks and 13 tackles for loss. Added two pass breakups, a forced fumble and fumble recovery. Transferred to Eastern Kentucky after spending two seasons at Louisiana State University (2019-20) where he appeared in three games as tight end. Began his collegiate career at Copiah-Lincoln Community College (2017-18).
• As a graduate (2022), started all 12 games at Eastern Kentucky and led the team with 11.5 tackles for loss and six sacks. Added 58 tackles, two pass breakups, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery. Named to the Phil Steele second team All-ASUN and was an All-ASUN selection.
• As a senior (2021), played in nine games with three starts as a defensive end for Eastern Kentucky. Totaled 24 tackles, including 1.5 tackles for loss and a sack. Transferred to Eastern Kentucky following the 2020 season.
• As a redshirt junior (2020), did not play for the Tigers.
• As a junior (2019), played in three games as a tight end for Louisiana State. Caught one pass for 12 yards. Joined the Tigers as a transfer from Copiah-Lincoln Community College after the 2018 season.
• As a sophomore (2018), played in nine games and totaled five receptions for 43 yards with one touchdown for Copiah-Lincoln Community College. One of the top junior college prospects for 2019, he was rated a three-star prospect by 247sports and Rivals. Listed as the No. 3 tight end by 247sports. Played primarily the H-back position. Listed at No. 33 in ESPN's JUCO Top 50.
• As a freshman (2017), played in nine games at Copiah-Lincoln Community College and caught three passes for 63 yards with a touchdown.
• Graduated with a degree in general studies from Eastern Kentucky in 2023.

PERSONAL:
• Played at Treutlen County (Ga.) High School.
• Son of Amanda McLendon
• Follow McLendon on Instagram at @mclendon_84
• Born Tonyist Karnez McLendon Jr. on Feb. 27, 1999 in Soperton, Ga.