The Florida Gators have put a lot of stock in their recruiting efforts as [autotag]Billy Napier[/autotag] and Co. continue to rebuild a once-proud college football program and it appears that their work off the field is beginning to yield positive results.
The Orange and Blue saw a good deal of attrition through the NCAA transfer portal this past offseason but also reloaded its roster with some of the top prep prospects in the nation. Among them was [autotag]LJ McCray[/autotag], a five-star defensive end from the Sunshine State in the 2024 cycle.
ESPN’s Eli Lederman and Adam Rittenberg recently took on the task of predicting freshman roles for college football’s top 10 recruits which included Florida’s top-rated defensive lineman.
Florida’s DE position outlook
“Florida lost sacks leader [autotag]Princely Umanmielen[/autotag] to Ole Miss, but the Gators bring back the rest of their production at the position from last fall.
“Between veteran [autotag]Tyreak Sapp[/autotag] and sophomores [autotag]Kelby Collins[/autotag] and [autotag]TJ Searcy[/autotag], Florida returns 73 total tackles and four sacks from a year ago, while redshirt junior [autotag]Justus Boone[/autotag] rejoins the Gators’ pass-rushing depth after missing last season with an ACL injury.
“Northern Illinois transfer [autotag]George Gumbs Jr[/autotag]. and sophomore [autotag]Kamran James[/autotag] present reserve options with experience.”
ESPN’s projection for McCray
“McCray signed with the Gators as one of the most physically impressive high school prospects in the 2024 cycle,” the authors note. “In his seven-plus months at Florida, McCray’s physical development has only bolstered confidence within the program that the five-star freshman can contribute this fall.”
That physical development appears to be elite and will be his ticket to success if he can connect all of the dots.
“He already has the body and the frame and the athletic ability and the tools and all that to allow him to be able to be considered to play early,” a team source told ESPN. “But he’s just worked hard over the summer and gotten stronger, developing his upper body. It takes a little bit of time at this level, but he’s physically far ahead of where a typical freshman would be coming in.”
The Gators have sufficient depth on the defensive line this season despite some losses, but there are also a lot of moving parts as well.
“Despite the blow of Umanmielen’s departure, Florida enters the season with capable depth on the edge,” they continue. “However, the Gators are already reshuffling on the defensive line following a preseason injury to defensive tackle Jamari Lyons, and McCray’s size and talent could make him difficult to keep on the sideline by the latter stages of his freshman season.”
While McCray might appear to be lower on the depth chart to start the season, do not be surprised if he quickly climbs in the early weeks.
“It’ll start off slow, but by midseason I think he’ll be out there,” a team source said. “He’ll be (used) sparingly early and then I would think he gets in there a lot. He’s a real guy.”
Florida’s season opener for 2024
The Florida Gators and No. 19 Miami Hurricanes square off on Aug. 31 in Gainesville, Florida to open their schedule for the 2024 season. Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on ABC Sports.
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