Seminoles Get Opportunity To Make Final Impression On Four-Star DL LJ McCray Prior To Decision

The 'Noles hosted one of their top remaining targets regardless of position for an official visit over the weekend.

Florida State filled out the majority of its 2024 class over the summer but the coaching staff is still searching for the final few pieces of the puzzle. One of the top uncommitted targets remaining on the board regardless of position is four-star defensive lineman LJ McCray.

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With a decision set to come in the near future, the Seminoles were able to make the final impression on McCray prior to his commitment by hosting him for an official visit over the weekend. After spending about 48 hours in Tallahassee and experiencing FSU's victory against Virginia Tech, he felt like the trip went better than expected.

"It was great. I really enjoyed it," McCray said to NoleGameday's Dustin Lewis. "Honestly, it was kind of a little bit better than I expected."

McCray has been a familiar face at Florida State since picking up an offer over a year ago. He took two unofficial visits during the offseason and also was in attendance for the season-opening victory over LSU. This trip was about furthering relationships with the players and coaching staff.

"I've been here multiple times. It was just getting more time to spend time with the players alone, away from coaches," McCray said. "Just building relationships and see how the people truly were away from the football facility."

A sold-out Doak Campbell Stadium was rocking on Saturday and McCray enjoyed the atmosphere.

"I mean I've been here for a couple games so I definitely was expecting it to be lit but they did their normal thing," McCray said.

Throughout the game against the Hokies, McCray was dialed in on the defensive line and defense. He came away impressed with the performance.

"Of course, I watch the D-line. But really overall, the game as well," McCray said. "There are playmakers all around the field so just watching."

"They have a great way of creating mismatches and getting what they want out of the offense," McCray continued.

The Seminoles view the Florida native as a versatile piece who can move across the defensive line based on the matchup.

"Definitely, they're telling me that I can be used all across the line in different ways depending on the formation and things of that nature," McCray said. "It really comes down to how they want to use me when I get here depending on the situation."

Throughout the visit, McCray spent time with a pair of true freshmen, defensive back KJ Kirkland and defensive tackle KJ Sampson. With both of them being new to the program, they were able to share what their experiences have been like so far.

"They've been telling me that they really enjoyed it and it's really exactly how they're recruited," McCray said. "It's pretty much the same thing as what they're getting here."

Prior to the conclusion of the trip, McCray sat down with head coach Mike Norvell for a meeting in his office.

"Just that I can be a guy. Of course a little bit of catching up on me," McCray said. "He's been recruiting me for a minute. Not my first time sitting in his office. So just a little bit of catching up on me and talking to him."

McCray is now moving into decision-making mode with a commitment supposed to come prior to the conclusion of October. His birthday is on the 18th and he would like to announce a pledge sometime after that.

Where do the Seminoles stand as he enters the final stretch of his recruitment?

"I mean they've always been up there," McCray said. "I definitely wouldn't be taking an official visit if I wasn't really serious about it. It was just getting up here and seeing it one last time before I make my decision."

Outside of Florida State, McCray is also considering Florida, Georgia, Miami, and Auburn. He has yet to make a private decision and has some things to weigh out over the next few weeks.

"Honestly, no. There's still a lot of thinking and right now I'm weighing this and that," McCray said. "It's definitely going to be a hard decision for sure."

The 6-foot-6, 260-pound defensive lineman is regarded as the No. 119 overall prospect, the No. 18 DL, and the No. 18 prospect in the state of Florida in the 2024 class according to 247Sports.

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