In a stunning move, the Gators signed five-star defensive lineman LJ McCray to cap off National Signing Day.
Although McCray visited Florida State and Auburn lately, he still committed to the Gators, creating doubts about his ultimate destination. When he allegedly told On3.com that he would not sign with any institution on Wednesday, he furthered the confusion.
However, McCray revealed on Instagram Live just before 6 p.m. that he was signing a contract with Florida.
At 6-foot-6 and 267 pounds, McCray excelled at Daytona Beach Mainland and is rated by On3.com as the best defensive tackle overall.
Coach Billy Napier of the Gators stated at his NSD press conference, “One thing I’ll say about LJ that I respect about him is he is up for the challenge.” “We spoke with LJ early on in the process; she is an alpha. He is an executive. He competes at an elite level and accomplished comparable feats in high school.
“He’s got that type of presence and that type of voice, and he’s an impact player.”
McCray will play off the edge for the Gators, according to Napier.
It’s official, according to Florida’s 2024 recruiting class gem.
Five-star quarterback DJ Lagway, one of the top recruits in the nation, has committed to the Gators.
ESPN2 aired a school ceremony on Wednesday afternoon where Lagway made his announcement.
Lagway said, “I just believe in him,” in response to a question about what convinced him to choose the Gators and UF head coach Billy Napier. He is genuinely a great guy. I’ve just caught sight of it. That’s where I can see it. I picture him accomplishing incredible feats. I think I’m the missing component that will make it whole.”
The 6-foot-3, 238-pound Lagway, who threw for 4,604 yards and 58 touchdowns this season for Willis (Texas) High, was named the National Player of the Year by Max Preps.
Lagway, a five-star recruit overall, is rated as the top quarterback prospect by Rivals and as the number two prospect by On3.com, 247Sports, and ESPN.
Nearly all of the big universities had extended offers to Lagway, who was actively courted by Texas A&M in the last few weeks.
- He made his Florida commitment in December 2022, and for the past year, he has been a constant presence on campus and on social media, cheering on the Gators.
