LJ McCray, a priority target, likes Florida Gators’ direction, fall decision probable
DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA — LJ McCray likes where the Florida football program is headed. But the million dollar question is this: Will he be apart of it come next year?
McCray, a 4-star defensive lineman from Mainland High, is one of the Gators’ top remaining targets. Florida is one of his finalists, along with Auburn, Florida State, Georgia and Miami. He hopes to visit each of those programs again this fall.
McCray’s most recent trips in July went to the Gators and Bulldogs. Meanwhile, FSU will get his final official visit in October. Florida is the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine favorite.
Gators Online caught up with McCray, the No. 46 recruit in the country for the On3 Industry Rankings, after his game Friday night. In that game, he wore Georgia gloves.
Gators Online: What stands out the most about Florida?
McCray: They’re not too far from home and being a Florida boy, you kind of like all the Florida teams. Especially with the direction Florida is headed.
McCray has a good relationship with the Florida staff
Gators Online: Which coach at Florida are you closest with right now?
McCray: It’s a three-way tie, honestly, (defensive line coach Sean) Spencer, (edge coach Mike Peterson) and (defensive coordinator Austin) Armstrong. I like them, for sure. They’re kind of just telling me I could be a guy for Florida. The next guy. And definitely just be in my own city.
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Gators Online: What about Gators coach Billy Napier — how involved has he been with you?
McCray: Oh, very. I talk to him as much as Coach Armstrong honestly.
Gators Online: What do you like about him?
McCray: He’s super detailed. You can just tell being around him and observing him.
Gators Online: Does Florida have to play well this season to have a chance with you?
McCray: I feel like they should play well. But it’s honestly me paying attention to my position and how they develop them because they’ve got a lot of young guys.
Gators Online: You can play at different spots. Where does Florida project you?
McCray: They’re definitely telling me that I can move around depending on how I pan out.
He visited the Gators in late July
Gators Online: What can you tell us about your last visit to Florida? How’d it go?
McCray: Really, they just wanted me to get up there. I’ve been to Florida many times, so it was just like another day.
Gators Online: At one time, you weren’t planning on taking that visit. Then, you showed up in Gainesville. Was it worth it?
McCray: Oh, yes sir. We got to spend more time with them and just go sit down and talk to them.
Gators Online: Georgia has had lots of success lately. Florida is working to get back to the top. Is either situation more appealing than the other?
McCray: Just based off my experience being in high school, when I came to high school we weren’t that great. Just to come back and end up being in state was kind of unique building something. But what can you do if somebody is doing it repeatedly. They both definitely have their own thing.
Georgia is one of Florida’s biggest competitors for McCray
Gators Online: Georgia was the last school to get you on campus in July. When do you think you’ll be back in Athens, Ga.?
McCray: I don’t have a set date yet, but I know I’m going to try to catch a game sometime up there.
Gators Online: One game or more than one?
McCray: It depends. We’ll see.
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Gators Online: What was the vibe like up there on that last trip to Georgia?
McCray: I was just up there, seeing everybody and getting that family feel. Seeing (defensive line coach Tray Scott). He’s a good coach and just a great man in general. So it was really good.
Gators Online: You’re friends with Georgia defensive lineman Jordan Hall, who’s also from Florida. What’s his message to you?
McCray: Come to the G. Basically, that’s it. He’s gotten to be like a big brother, especially every time I come up there.
Gators Online: What’s the best thing about Georgia?
McCray: They’re super-detailed, and super-disciplined and they win.
Gators Online: What is the biggest factor for you in your recruitment?
McCray: Where I feel most comfortable. I mean, honestly, I love all top five of my schools.
Gators Online: You officially visit FSU in early October. And your birthday is Oct. 18. When are we going to see you make a commitment?
McCray: I don’t know if it’s going to be that day (Oct. 18), but I know I want to have it somewhere around there.
Gators Online: Think it probably will be in October?
McCray: Yes sir.
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