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Two Gators signees On3 expects to make immediate impact

79417-removebg-preview (1)by: Corey Bender12/22/23Corey_Bender
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For the Gators, National Signing Day is now in the rear-view mirror.

Twenty-two prospects signed on Wednesday, and although prospects can also sign Thursday and Friday, Florida received its expected letters of intent on day one.

Now, it’s time to break down their potential impact at the next level.

Help is on the way for the Gators’ defense

Charles Power, On3’s Director of Scouting and Rankings, highlighted over a dozen signees he expects to make an immediate impact. Two of them signed with the Gators, including On3’s No. 1-ranked defensive lineman LJ McCray.

The Daytona Beach (Fla.) Mainland senior already measures in at 6-foot-6, 280 pounds and boasts a well-rounded skill set that should allow him to be a difference maker.

“Few prospects had a better senior season than McCray. The 6-foot-6, 280-pounder made a leap as a player this fall, turning in a dominant season while leading his Daytona (Fla.) Mainland team to a state title,” said Power.

“McCray’s senior film is among the best we’ve seen from a defensive prospect this cycle. His ability to disrupt as a pass rusher and run defender makes him a versatile, dangerous player on the front. The combination of length, athleticism, physicality and effort stand out and point to an immediate impact at the college level.

“He has a high upside due to the projectable traits, but make no mistake, the top-10 prospect is ready to come in and make an early impact.”

The other Gators signee Charles Power envisions playing plenty next fall is linebacker Myles Graham.

Hailing from Gainesville (Fla.) Buchholz, Graham is the son of former UF running back Earnest Graham. He was the first 2024 prospect to commit to Florida last summer and first to sign on Wednesday.

According to the On3 Industry Ranking, Graham is the No. 5 linebacker and No. 61 prospect overall.

“Somewhat similar to his fellow Florida signee LJ McCray, Myles Graham is a stock-up prospect coming on the heels of a strong senior season,” said Power.

“The Gator legacy has a very well-rounded skill set as a modern day linebacker prospect. Graham is a natural in space and shows the ability to cover running backs and tight ends downfield. He shows very good range, using play speed to hawk down ball carriers from sideline-to-sideline. The ability to quickly diagnose plays also points to the potential for an early impact.

“While many linebackers need time to adjust to the demands of the position, Graham should have a smoother transition given his versatile skills.”

Stay tuned to Gators Online.

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