The Florida Gators picked up a big commitment on Saturday after they beat several rivals for instate prospects.
Defensive end LJ McCray (6-6, 260, Daytona Beach, FL. Mainland) committed to Florida over Florida State, Georgia, Auburn, and Miami on Saturday afternoon.
“First I would like to thank God,” McCray said at his announcement. “I will be choosing the University of Florida.”
McCray has been in Gainesville several times and his relationship with the coaching staff was a big reason for his commitment to Florida on Saturday.
Defensive line coach Sean Spencer and outside linebackers coach Mike Peterson have explained to McCray how they want to use him once he gets to school.
“That was super important as well, I really got to see how they want to use me,” he said on where the coaches want him. “I will definitely be coached by Coach [Sean] Spencer and Coach [Mike] Peterson as a hybrid guy because I can play inside and outside. They want me at the F, the F is like a more versatile end. Boone is more of a F. I like the versatility and how I can move around.”
Another big reason for Saturday’s commitment was the culture being built by the Gators coaching staff in Gainesville.
“It’s definitely the culture that they’re building, the coaching staff and the people around here,” he said on what stands out to him about Florida. “Being my first official visit, based off the weekend I have, it’s definitely going to be a sight to see, and everyone is going to have to beat out this weekend.”
McCray is the 22nd commitment of the Class of 2024 for the Gators as their class remains a top five class.