Florida 5-star DL commit LJ McCray visits Auburn

Daytona Beach (Fla.) Mainland five-star defensive lineman and Florida commit LJ McCray was in Tallahassee visiting Florida State on Friday. Now, the touted prospect is on The Plains for a weekend visit with Auburn.

McCray took part in a photoshoot with Picayune (Miss.) Memorial four-star EDGE Jamonta Waller, who flipped to Auburn from Florida on Nov. 11. The Tigers have made a living off of flips this cycle and are looking to pull off one more ahead of National Signing Day.

Love coming back home!! WDE🦅 pic.twitter.com/z7qafT1LWI

— JamontaWALLER (@JamontaWaller) December 9, 2023

McCray, the No. 22 overall prospect and No. 4 DL in the 2024 cycle, committed to Florida on Oct. 21, choosing the Gators over FSU, Auburn and others. It’s been a close recruitment that hasn’t lost any steam, despite his pledge to Billy Napier and Co.

“I have great relationships with Coach Napier and my position coaches, and I feel like they can put me in a position where I want to go,” McCray told On3 upon his commitment.

Auburn’s interest hasn’t wavered. Hugh Freeze and the Tigers felt they had a real shot to land McCray’s pledge back in October, and while he chose the Gators, that feeling hasn’t gone away.

“Auburn is one to watch. Many have talked about Florida State since McCray was there for the Miami game, but the Tigers were in this much more than many know when McCray committed to the Gators in October,” On3’s Chad Simmons wrote earlier this week. “When talking Auburn, things seem to be a little more consistent. Jeremy Garrett is leading the way for Auburn and his time on the Plains this weekend is big.”

McCray has an On3 NIL Valuation of $260K. The On3 NIL Valuation is the industry’s leading index that sets high school and college athletes’ projected annual value (PAV). The NIL valuation does not act as a tracker of the value of NIL deals an athlete has completed to date. It rather signifies an athlete’s value at a certain moment in time.

LJ McCray Scouting Summary

“Big-framed, athletic defensive lineman with pass rush ability. Has translatable physical attributes and athleticism at the position that point to a high developmental ceiling. Measured in at over 6-foot-6, 260 pounds prior to his senior season. Has outstanding length and a large frame. Arms check in at 34.75 inches, with hands measuring 10.5 inches. Lines up as a big defensive end on Friday nights. Shows upside as a pass rusher, using first-step quickness to get into the backfield. Has high-end closing speed for a player of his size. Plays with a very encouraging level of physicality. Bullies offensive linemen on contact and finishes plays with violence. Works to get off blocks with vigor. Also sees time as a tight end. Finished his senior season with 17.5 tackles for loss. Can continue honing his technical skill as he fills out and grows into his body.”