In order to beat a team as talented as Texas on the road, more often than not, you need great performances from some unexpected contributors.
Florida got plenty of those in its 27-24 victory, perhaps none more impactful than junior edge rusher LJ McCray, who recorded career highs with four tackles and 1.5 sacks. He was named Co-Defensive Lineman of the Week.
With the game tied at 17 late in the third quarter, McCray made his presence felt on back-to-back plays. He first tackled Texas running back Hollywood Smothers for a loss before recording a seven-yard sack of Arch Manning on the following play. Brendan Bett also assisted on the sack.
McCray’s efforts helped give the ball back to Florida, which scored a field goal on the ensuing possession to take its first lead of the game in the fourth quarter.
“It meant a lot to me,” McCray said postgame. “Not only just making the plays, but I seen it motivated my brothers. Like everybody started playing harder. They fed off the energy, so it kind of pushed me to make even more of the energy.”
That energy carried over into the fourth quarter, when Florida sacked Arch Manning three times, including once more by McCray.
A week earlier, defensive line coach Gerald Chatman was seen having an animated conversation with McCray on the sideline against South Carolina. If you’ve followed Florida football over the past few years, you know Chatman coaches with tough love.
“That’s just kind of our relationship, honestly. Two guys passionate about what’s going on and having a conversation,” McCray said. “Coaching me hard. He was telling me take advantage of opportunities given to me and don’t complain about anything else. And he believes in me. I believe in him. I got his back. He got mine. So, it’s just really about taking advantage of the opportunities.”
McCray made the most of his 23 snaps on Saturday, and Chatman was the first to recognize it.
“First play, he came up to me. He’s the first person that came up to me. He’s like, ‘I’m proud of you.’ So, I appreciate that,” McCray said.
The 6’6″, 277-pound edge rusher posted a defensive grade of 81.4, according to Pro Football Focus. It ranked third in the SEC and 23rd in the FBS amongst edge rushers in Week 7.
McCray, a former five-star recruit and the No. 1 defensive lineman in his class, has yet to live up to the lofty expectations through his first three seasons. But if Saturday’s performance is any indication, there’s still plenty of potential for the third-year edge rusher to tap into.
McCray will look to build on his career performance when the Gators take on Georgia in two weeks.
“You come here to play those types of games,” McCray said. “And playing in Atlanta, kind of close to their territory, so it’s gonna be a big game.”