​One of the strongest teams in the state just got a lot deeper.Four-star defensive lineman Maleek Lee has transferred from Booker to Cardinal Mooney, Rivals’ Andy Villamarzo reported. Lee, a Georgia Tech commit, led the 12-2 Tornadoes in tackles (69) and TFL (39.0). He is ranked as the No. 48 overall player in the USA TODAY Florida Top 100.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementLee joins a Cougar squad that dominated on the way to last year’s Class 2A championship, and has since retooled around elite returning talent led by Florida QB commit Davin Davidson (No. 10).Sarasota Booker DL Maleek Lee takes on John Carroll Catholic IOL Sean Tatum at the Rivals elite camp in Miami on Feb. 15, 2026.Lee is the latest elite defensive recruit to transfer to Cardinal Mooney this offseason. Kaleb Exume (No. 63), a Boston College commit, arrived from Parrish Community as their sacks (6.0) and TFL (22.5) leader. Exume will play both ways for the Cougars, alongside Lee on defense and next to 4-star rising junior tackle Jackson Snelling on offense.Toryeon James, who tallied 1,941 yards and 28 touchdowns on 200 carries last year, was another key offseason transfer from Riverview. He joins Herald-Tribune Offensive Player of the Year Connail Jackson (No. 73) in the running back room.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe Cougars finished last season 14-1 before winning the Class 2A state championship. their second title in three years. They have not lost to a team from Florida in the regular season in 24 games.This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Booker star, Georgia Tech commit Maleek Lee transfers to Cardinal Mooney