On3 5-Star Countdown: No. 6, Florida DL signee LJ McCray

On3 has released its final recruiting ranking for the 2024 class after the completion of the high school football season and all-star competitions. Daytona Beach (Fla.) Mainland five-star defensive lineman and Florida signee LJ McCray is the No. 6 overall prospect in the 2024 On300.

The latest edition of On3’s 2024 rankings features 32 five-star players, up from 21 in the penultimate update in November. Of those 32 prospects, 29 are signed to college programs, with three still yet to make their decisions official.

This final update comes after the end of the high school playoffs and postseason All-American games, where top prospects across the country faced off in a week of practices and ended with nationally televised games.

The 6-foot-6, 275-pound McCray committed to the Gators on Oct. 21, choosing them over Miami, Auburn, Florida State and Georgia. The other finalists continued to try and flip McCray, but after a long Early National Signing Day, he was officially announced by UF on Dec. 20.

“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.

LJ McCray Scouting Summary

On3 Director of Scouting and Rankings Charles Power writes this about McCray as a prospect:

“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.”