Four-star defensive lineman LJ McCray out of Daytona Beach (Florida) Mainland released his list of top 11 preferred schools on Saturday on his personal Twitter account — a list that includes Florida football.
Also included were the Auburn Tigers, Georgia Bulldogs, Alabama Crimson Tide, Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, Florida State Seminoles, Clemson Tigers, Miami Hurricanes, LSU Tigers, Penn State Nittany Lions and Tennessee Volunteers.
The 6-foot-6-inch, 260-pound lineman obviously has a lot of options to choose from, but Billy Napier and Co. have been pounding the pavement when it comes to his recruitment, including an extra effort from defensive coordinator Austin Armstrong, tight ends coach Russ Callaway and defensive backs coach Corey Raymond.
“It’s definitely appreciated, showing that it’s real what they’re talking about,” McCray told Swamp247, “like, they really want me, so I appreciate them taking the time to come around here.”
The rising high school senior has made several unofficial visits to Gainesville in the past but the possibility of setting an OV for this summer is still up in the air. The NCAA recently passed a rule that allows prospects to visit more than five schools officially, which could open up some room for the Orange and Blue to sneak in.
McCray is ranked No. 133 overall and No. 15 at his position nationally according to the 247Sports composite while the On3 industry ranking has him at Nos. 94 and 2, respectively. On3’s Recruiting Prediction Machine gives the Gators a 33.9% chance of signing him, while Florida State (20.1%), the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats (9.5%) and South Florida Bulls (7.5%) follow behind.
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