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Rapid Reaction: Breaking down LJ McCray's commitment to the Florida Gators

On3 imageby: Keith Niebuhr10/21/23On3Keith
LJ McCray
LJ McCray (Keith Niebuhr/On3)

The Florida Gators on Saturday landed a massive commitment from 5-star defensive lineman LJ McCray of Daytona Beach (Fla.) Mainland.

McCray, listed at 6-foot-6 and 275 pounds, is the No. 4 defensive lineman and No. 24 overall recruit nationally for the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He holds a 96.68 rating in the On3 Industry and is a 98 with On3, which has him as the No. 1 defensive lineman and No. 8 overall player in the class.

Bottom line, he can play.

Then, look at who Billy Napier & Co. beat out to land him: Auburn, Florida State, Georgia and Miami.

In the above video, Corey Bender and Keith Niebuhr of Gators Online discus what the McCray commitment means to the Gators.

The LJ McCray pledge is commitment No. 22 for the Gators in the 2024 cycle. They currently have the No. 3 class (Full class HERE). Additionally, Florida has three 5-stars on board — McCray, quarterback DJ Lagway and safety Xavier Filsaime.

During McCray’s recruitment, multiple Florida coaches have been heavily involved with MNcCray, starting with Napier. Additionally, McCray has built strong relationships with defensive coordinator Austin Armstrong, defensive line coach Sean Spencer and edge/outside linebackers coach Mike Peterson.

Meanwhile, the Gator commits have tried to do their part, too.

According to McCray, he gets along well with multiple Florida pledges, notably 5-star quarterback DJ Lagway.  McCray officially visited the Gators in June the same weekend as Lagway and the touted QB has been in his ear ever since.

Here is McCray’s On3 scouting report: Big-framed, athletic defensive lineman with pass rush ability. Has translatable physical attributes and athleticism at the position that point to a high developmental ceiling. Measured in at over 6-foot-6, 260 pounds prior to his senior season. Has outstanding length and a large frame. Arms check in at 34.75 inches, with hands measuring 10.5 inches. Lines up as a big defensive end on Friday nights. Shows upside as a pass rusher, using first-step quickness to get into the backfield. Has high-end closing speed for a player of his size. Plays with a very encouraging level of physicality. Bullies offensive linemen on contact and finishes plays with violence. Works to get off blocks with vigor. Also sees time as a tight end. Finished his senior season with 17.5 tackles for loss. Can continue honing his technical skill as he fills out and grows into his body.

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