Could Gators commit LJ McCray finish as the No. 1 prospect?

According to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media services, the Gators hold commitments from three 5-star prospects.

Those seniors are quarterback DJ Lagway, safety Xavier Filsaime and defensive lineman LJ McCray.

Then you have the On300 rankings that were updated earlier this week. That list features McCray and Lagway as 5-star prospects, with McCray sitting in elite company as the No. 3-ranked prospect.

Only Missouri EDGE commit Williams Nwaneri and Ohio State wide receiver pledge Jeremiah Smith are slotted ahead of McCray. Those two have been duking it out for the No. 1 spot for months, but according to On3’s Director of Scouting and Rankings, Charles Power, it’s still an “open race” with McCray knocking on the door for the top spot.

“Two big men who have seen their stock soar as seniors deserve mention. Florida defensive line pledge LJ McCray checks in at No. 3 overall in the updated On300,” said Power when referring to McCray and offensive tackle Jordan Seaton.

“McCray is a physically-gifted prospect, checking at 6-foot-6, 280 pounds with plus length and athleticism. He’s putting together a dominant senior season and easily has some of the best film we’ve seen in 2024. McCray ranks as a defensive lineman, but similar to Nwaneri, there’s some ambiguity there due to his combination of size and athleticism.

“McCray reminds me a bit of Travon Walker as a prospect – but is further ahead of the former No. 1 overall pick at the same stage.”

Gators commit has tools to play football for a long time

According to Power, that rare combination is tailor-made for today’s NFL and will help during the scouting process.

McCray will have obviously to put in the work and earn his spot in UF’s rotation, but there is no doubt he is more physically gifted than most.

“He’s a big-framed, plus athlete at 6-foot-6, 280 pounds with a nasty, physical on-field demeanor,” said Power. “He’s the type of defensive line prospect who goes high in the NFL Draft.”

Representing Daytona Beach (Fla.) Mainland, McCray is also the No. 2-ranked senior in Florida.

For the Gators’ full commitment list, click here.

Stay tuned to Gators Online.

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