Report: Elite Florida DL Commit LJ McCray Delays Signing

Florida experiences signing day drama as elite defensive lineman LJ McCray has delayed the finalization of his recruitment.

Florida's top-rated defensive commitment in the class of 2024, Daytona Beach (Fla.) Mainland lineman LJ McCray postponed his 11:00 a.m. Wednesday signing with the Gators for reasons undisclosed in multiple reports.

The Daytona Beach News Journal's Chris Vinel reported that McCray would not take part in Mainland's Early Signing Period ceremony just before it began, noting that the consensus five-star prospect "still plans to announce his decision in the next couple of days." 

McCray joined the Gators' formerly-ranked No. 3 recruiting class with an Oct. 21 commitment to the program, but began to survey his options elsewhere before and after the conclusion of Florida's 5-7 (3-5 SEC) 2023 campaign. He's taken unofficial visits to Florida State, Miami and Auburn since the beginning of November. 

The Tigers, specifically, are believed to be influential players in McCray's recruitment at this time. 

The 6-foot-6, 267-pound McCray is considered the No. 8 defensive lineman and No. 35 overall prospect in the class of 2024 by the 247Sports composite rankings. He's one of two five-star prospects pledged to Florida in this cycle, joined by the No. 3 quarterback and No. 10 overall player, DJ Lagway.

Over 35 varsity appearances at Mainland, McCray accumulated 133 total tackles with a whopping 62 for loss, 18 sacks, three forced fumbles, five defended passes and one interception.

This is a breaking news story that will be updated as further details emerge. 

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