Priority Gators DL Target Releases Top 5

Mainland (Fla.) defensive lineman LJ McCray placed the Gators in his newly trimmed top schools list.

The Gators have been on a tear on the recruiting trail as of late, reeling in nine commitments in the month of June with more possibly set to join the 2024 class this summer.

The impressive surge, while encompassing pieces at several positions of need, is headlined by the influx of defensive line talent.

On Friday, Mainland (Fla.) defensive lineman LJ McCray trimmed his top schools list from 11 to five, including the Gators to maintain the upward trajectory for assistant coach Sean Spencer’s potential unit of the future. 

McCray placed Florida alongside Auburn, Florida State, Georgia and Miami as the remaining suitors contending for his services.

AGTG 🙏🏾

Where should I go ? 👇🏾 🏡@Hayesfawcett3 pic.twitter.com/I76HDRnVaR

— LJ McCray (@LJMcCray11) June 23, 2023

Aligning as arguably the top remaining target for UF in the defensive tranches, the 6-foot-6, 260-pound McCray has earned the red carpet treatment from Billy Napier and Co. as a frequent visitor to campus in the past year — with five trips since April 2022.

Making an official stay in Gainesville June 2-4, McCray got a further in-depth look not only at the surrounding factors of the program but a sense of his usage in the defense if he were to continue his football career at Florida.

It intrigued him. 

The staff pitched versatile role in the multiple-front scheme Austin Armstrong is set to employ during his first year as the defensive play caller, bouncing him from the ‘F’ end spot controlled by Mike Peterson and the traditional three-tech spot overseen by Spencer.

“The 'F' is like a more versatile end," McCray shared with media before departing from campus. "They've told me before, but today, I really got to see it from both coaches. I'll definitely be coached by both Coach Spence and Coach Pete as a hybrid guy.

"I definitely like the versatility of it," he continued. "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."

He returned with his school for a 7-on-7 tournament held in the UF facilities by the Gators coaching staff on Wednesday, where he performed as a tight end as he has for Mainland during his prep career.

Showcasing his lauded nimbleness at his size explains the desire to create mismatches with him based on offensive personnel groups and game situations, such as obvious passing downs or goal-line situations.

Florida will continue pursuing him heavily over the next several months before McCray makes his awaited commitment decision.

He expects to make that announcement in the fall. 

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