With the seventh-best recruiting class in the country, the Florida Gators are rebuilding, and a handful of fresh players are primed to contribute right away in Gainesville. But defensive lineman LJ McCray sticks out as a potentially game-changing talent right now.
The 6’6″, 274-pound monster from Daytona Beach’s Mainland High School was a disruptive force inside the line during his senior year, collecting 80 tackles and 13 sacks on his way to winning a state championship. It comes as no surprise that On3 ranked McCray as the best player at his position.
McCray needs to improve the Gators’ defensive line right away. Florida’s defense struggled the previous season, finishing in the lower half of the FBS in terms of yards and points allowed per contest.
The hiring process at McCray was not without its hiccups. In October, he committed to Florida, but opponents made a strong push to convince him to change his mind. McCray reiterated his intention to play football for the Gators in 2024 on Instagram as National Signing Day drew near.
Billy Napier, the head coach, is aware that McCray, who combines ideal size with outstanding athleticism, is a special prospect. With an interior disruptor who can blow up running plays and collapse the pocket, Florida’s defense has the potential to transform from a liability to a significant advantage by 2024.
Naturally, McCray is only a small portion of Florida’s recruiting class for 2024. But McCray might be the most crucial player for a defense that needs all the support it can get, particularly along the defensive line.
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