Mercedes Gets A New Love Interest On ‘Glee’

First Published: August 10, 2011 4:36 PM EDT Credit: Getty Images

LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- Caption Lamarcus Tinker attends the “Let Me In” film premiere at the Bruin Theatre-Westwood Village, Los Angeles, on September 27, 2010Although Chord Overstreet is pursuing other options after the producers behind “Glee” chose not to offer him a season regular gig, Mercedes (Amber Riley) is still going to get some love in her McKinley High life.

LaMarcus Tinker, formerly of NBC’s “Friday Night Lights” is set to heat up the love life of the New Directions member as Marcus, TV Guide reported on Tuesday.

LaMarcus will play Marcus, a linebacker.

He reportedly started work on the FOX show on Tuesday.

While Chord won’t be back, Darren Criss (Blaine) and Harry Shum Jr. (Mike) were made season regulars for the upcoming season.

Beyond the new full-time cast members, the upcoming season of “Glee” will focus on the senior year of graduating characters Finn (Cory Monteith), Rachel (Lea Michele) and Kurt (Chris Colfer).

It also appears Santana (Naya Rivera) will be graduating, the actress previously told Access Hollywood.

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