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Gators signee LJ McCray wins prestigious national award

On3 imageby:Keith Niebuhr•01/05/24•

On3Keith

lj mccray

Another Florida Gators signee has won a prestigious national award. Friday evening, 5-star edge LJ McCray of Daytona Beach (Fla.) Mainland was named the Anthony Muñoz Lineman of the Year by the All-American Bowl, of which McCray is a participant.

This news came eight hours after Gatorade honored 5-star Florida quarterback signee DJ Lagway as the National Player of the Year (story HERE).

As a senior, McCray recorded 77 total tackles, 37 tackles for loss and 13 sacks. His team won a state title.

When the dust settled and National Signing Day had finally come to a close on Dec. 20, Florida coach Billy Napier was asked about the impact McCraywould have in Gainesville. Napier, one easily could tell, was excited about the recruit’s future.

“LJ is an alpha,” Napier said. “He’s a leader. He’s an elite competitor, and he’s done very similar things at his high school. I think he’s got that type of presence and that type of voice, and he’s an impact player.”

The battle to land McCray, an edge/defensive end from Daytona Beach (Fla.) Mainland, was not easily won. The No. 3 overall recruit nationally for On3 was among the most heavily recruited prospects in the country.

Last summer, some had him leaning toward Georgia. At times, there was confidence both at Florida State and Miami. And in the 11th hour, he got a major push from Auburn.

On the morning of Signing Day, McCray, who had committed to the Gators on Oct. 21, 2023, told On3’s Hayes Fawcett there was a “high possibility” that he would no longer sign that day. That sent shockwaves through the recruiting world. But he ultimately did sign that day, albeit, very late in the afternoon.

“I didn’t even know if I was going to sign today or not,” McCray said on Instagram around 6 p.m. “I think that I’m making the right decision on where I want to go.  And with that being said, I know I’ll be there for the next three years at the University of Florida. I don’t know why y’all thought I was flipping.”

The Gators beat several big-name programs to sign LJ McCray

For Florida, McCray’s signing was a true win. A much-needed victory. More than his ranking, it was about whom the Gators beat — and the talent the 6-foot-6, 275-pound player will bring to town.

“He’s going to play over the edge for us,” Napier said. “Mike Peterson has been recruiting him. We kind of see him in that ‘F’ mode. He certainly has got a lot of position flex. … one thing I’ll say about LJ that I respect about him is he is up for the challenge.”

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