4-star DE LJ McCray talks top 5 schools including Miami
After a busy summer filled with four official visits, Daytona Beach (Fla.) Mainland four-star defensive lineman LJ McCray is down to five programs, and the Miami Hurricanes are among his final group.
Following an unofficial visit to Coral Gables in April and his official visit in June, Mario Cristobal and his staff have themselves positioned to land one of the most sought-after pass rushers in the 2024 class.
“I had a great time during that visit spending time with coach Cristobal, (Jason) Taylor, and Joe (Salave’a),” McCray told CaneSport. “It was great getting to go back down there and spend time with them to see how great of people they are. They definitely show love every time. I’ve been there twice, and it always remains the same.”
When asked who the 6-foot-6, 260-pound defensive lineman connected with the most, McCray couldn’t choose one Hurricanes staff member but instead named the trio of Cristobal, Taylor, and Joe Salave’a.
The Hurricanes have been in frequent talks with McCray and believe he can be a program changer if he commits to Miami.
“I communicate with all three of them equally,” McCray said. “They tell me that I fit the culture that they’re trying to build down there and that I could be a big piece to help turn that program around.”
McCray, who is the No. 58 overall player in the country, the No. 9 best defensive lineman in the country, and the No. 10 player in the state of Florida according to the On3 Industry Rankings, hopes to commit after his final official visit, which he plans on taking to Florida State in the fall.
According to the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine, Florida is the current favorite to land McCray, who will be choosing between the Gators, Auburn, Florida State, Georgia, and Miami.
“It’s going to be a super hard decision because all of my top five schools have super great genuine people,” McCray said. “They’re all great situations but it’ll come down to where I can see myself playing at my fullest potential and just being happy on and off the field.”
CaneSport’s take
At the moment, it doesn’t seem like there’s one team miles ahead of the rest of the pack, so this looks like it is shaping out to be a battle to the very end regarding his commitment.
“I can really see myself at each of those five schools,” McCray added.
With FSU getting the final official visit from McCray in October, the Hurricanes should make it a priority to get him back on campus either before that visit to Tallahassee or ahead of his commitment to showcase one final time what they have to offer.
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