Gators Priority DL Target LJ McCray Sets Commitment Date

One of Florida's top remaining 2024 targets, Mainland (Daytona Beach, Fla.) defensive lineman LJ McCray, will announce his collegiate commitment on Oct. 21.

On Thursday, Mainland (Daytona Beach, Fla.) High School defensive lineman LJ McCray marked Oct. 21 as his collegiate commitment date.

He’s set to choose between five schools: Auburn, Florida, Florida State, Georgia and Miami. He originally narrowed his recruitment down to the quintet of contenders in late June.

Florida hosted McCray for the first official visit stay of his recruitment process on the first weekend of June, leaving a lasting impression on the priority target.

"I definitely felt like a priority the whole weekend,” McCray told All Gators at the time. It's going to be a sight to see everybody trying to beat out this weekend."

The trek bolstered the already well-established rapport between the two parties.

McCray has long been linked to the Gators program as a must-land for head coach Billy Napier and Co. as they attempt to acquire high-caliber talents in the trenches to compete with college football’s elite. Rated as the nation’s 106th best player and the top defensive lineman per 247Sports Composite, the Sunshine State product fits the billing to do just that if he were to choose Florida.

The Gators and the two-time reigning national champion Georgia Bulldogs consider McCray to be the best defensive end prospect in the country.

During his official visit to the University of Florida, McCray left campus with a clearer understanding of his potential role in the Gators multiple front defensive approach operated by defensive coordinator Austin Armstrong.

He’s now had the opportunity to see the unit under Armstrong six times in 2023, including once in-person as he trekked to Gainesville for the Gators upset victory over Tennessee on Sept. 16.

Standing at 6-foot-6, 260 pounds, the talented defender has showcased impressive range while working at the prep level to impact the game from both the interior line of scrimmage and off the edge. 

He’s viewed as an F-end in Florida’s defense but will have the flexibility to move along the line in designated personnel packages. The vision for McCray is similar to true freshman Kelby Collins coming out of Gardendale, Ala. in the 2023 cycle.

McCray’s versatility to play inside and outside along the line of scrimmage in Florida’s scheme piqued his interest in the program in the summer. 

“I definitely like the versatility of it," McCray said in June. "I feel like we talked a lot about the playbook and different schemes and things that I can move around and things like that. ... I can play both inside and outside."

Florida’s remained a contender for his services since, and firmly stand as top contender to earn his pledge during the Gators bye week.

---

Stay tuned to All Gators for continuous coverage of Florida Gators football, basketball and re-running. Follow along on social media at @AllGatorsOnFN on Twitter and All Gators on FanNation-Sports Illustrated on Facebook. 

Get your Gators football, basketball, baseball and other sporting events tickets from SI Tickets here.