DL LJ McCray earns On3 Industry 5-star status

After updates within the recruiting industry, Daytona Beach (Fla.) Mainland defensive lineman LJ McCray is now an On3 Industry five-star prospect.

McCray jumped 270 spots in the new 2024 ESPN 300 on Wednesday, with a corresponding move up 11 spots in the On3 Industry Ranking — a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He now ranks No. 24 overall in the 2024 cycle and as the No. 4 defensive lineman.

On3 is especially high on McCray. He is the No. 8 overall prospect and No. 1 defensive lineman in the 2024 On300.

The elite defensive lineman will commit this weekend on October 21. He is down to Auburn, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, and Miami.

McCray breaks down finalists

McCray previously broke down his top schools with On3.

Auburn Tigers: “The University of Auburn stands out to me because of their close family feel around the staff and the relationship I have with coach Garrett. Coach Garrett is a super detailed coach/person who I feel can develop me on and off the field. I also like the city of Auburn and the people in it.”

Florida Gators: “I like the University of Florida because it’s close to home and I have built up a great relationship with Coach Napier, Coach Armstrong, Coach Peterson, and coach Spencer. They have done a good job of recruiting me along with my class of 2024. Coach Napier is doing a great job changing the culture and rebuilding the program.”

Florida State Seminoles: “Florida State is special to me because they were one of the first Power 5 schools to truly recruit me hard. I have also created a relationship with coach Norvell, coach Fuller, coach Odell (Haggins) and coach (John Papuchis). Coach Odell and one of my high school coaches were teammates and good friends. Along with him being a genuine straightforward guy, I know I would be in good hands and taken care of.”

Georgia Bulldogs: “Georgia speaks for itself as they are back-to-back college football champs. There isn’t much to not like about Georgia, especially if you are an elite competitor. The ‘Dawgs are consistently developing players and helping them get to the next level. Coach Scott has done a great job of recruiting me and is a proven coach from the development aspect. Just from being around coach Smart and talking with him about Georgia, it’s clear he bleeds it. He truly cares about the school along with the program and doing things the Georgia way which makes the program’s success come naturally.”

Miami Hurricanes: “Since I was born in South Florida and my dad was a coach for Bethune Cookman, I grew up watching the ‘Canes play so it’s a unique experience to now be recruited by them. Coach Cristobal, coach Jason Taylor, and coach Joe Salave’a have also done a great job of staying consistent in my recruiting process and being down there. I love the tropical feeling and the city of Miami. It would also be a great opportunity to be coached by a Hall of Famer in coach Taylor and with coach Salave’a playing years in the NFL. The coaching room has a first-hand experience of doing it at the highest level. Coach Cristobal is a proven program changer and has impacted every school he has been to. With the last Miami recruiting class, the program is definitely on the rise.”

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.”

McCray currently has an On3 NIL Valuation of $174,000. 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.