TALLAHASSEE — With his right index finger signaling No. 1, Daytona Beach Mainland star defender LJ McCray held the gold medal between his teeth and bit down, savoring state-championship success.
The moment culminated an arduous yet satisfying journey he’s eager to bring to the Gators, where Florida coach Billy Napier’s rebuild needs able bodies and unwavering buy-in.
“That’s kind of what I did at Mainland,” McCray said following the school’s first state title since 2003. “That’s a pretty cool idea. It makes it taste better.”
McCray said he is “still locked in” to the Gators’ 2024 class, where the 6-foot-6, 260-pound lineman will serve as its defensive centerpiece. Even so, potential suitors Florida State and Auburn remain in hot pursuit, knowing that Napier’s struggles and the nature of recruiting make McCray fair game until he signs Wednesday.
“For the last two weeks with everything going on with recruiting, I’ve been trying to win a state championship,” he said. “Now it’s is time to focus with what’s going on with the recruiting.”
All eyes in Gator Nation will be watching nervously until the nation’s No. 2 defensive line prospect, per 247Sports, is officially in the fold.
A commitment flip would severely undercut a class ranked No. 5 — down two spots after 5-star pass rusher Jamonta Waller bailed last month for Auburn — and further undermine Napier’s efforts following a 5-7 finish in Year 2.
Following his team’s title run, McCray sounded ready to honor his Oct. 21 decision.
“My goal for taking so long to commit was I wanted to commit and stay committed,” he said. “That was my main goal, anyway, so it’s definitely going to take a lot.”
While leading Mainland to its first title in 20 years, McCray looked the part, wearing Florida Gators gloves during a dramatic 21-19 victory against St. Augustine. Afterward, he recalled the Buccaneers’ rise from a 5-5 squad during his sophomore season to a 2022 title contender to 2023 Class 3S champion.
“It wasn’t easy,” he said.
McCray envisions a similar trajectory in Gainesville, which would keep him close to home.
“As a parent the proximity is always a plus,” Lawal McCray Sr. told the Orlando Sentinel. “Mom’s thing was: ‘As long as we can get to you with a tank of gas, we’re good.’ “
McCray — a coach for more than 20 years, including 13 at alma mater Bethune-Cookman — also is confident his son will thrive wherever he goes.
“He’s naturally strong. He has the length; he has the size; he has the tenacity,” he said. “He definitely has a great work ethic — that will carry you a long way. A lot of guys may have certain tools, but without a work ethic you won’t get better.”
While LJ’s desire to improve impressed his father, it occasionally came with a price.
“I told him, ‘If you want to work out, I’ll go. I’m not going to tell you,’” McCray said. “I never had to. Even days I was on the couch, I didn’t want go nowhere, ‘Dad, let’s go and grab an hour.’ …. ‘All right, let’s go.’”
LJ McCray eventually evolved into a force, registering 39 tackles for loss, including 15 sacks in 2023.
Along the way, Mary McCray appreciated her son’s ability to handle his rising local celebrity.
“We’re very fortunate,” she told the Sentinel. “He never gave us a problem, and with all the things that have come to him, all the blessings that have come his way, he’s so humble. I want him to stay that way.
“He’s a good kid.”
LJ McCray and Napier appear to be a good match.
The promising talent and embattled coach, just 11-14 in two seasons at UF, connected quickly during the recruiting process.
“He’s believed in me from the beginning,” McCray said. “That definitely means a lot.”
McCray appreciates the conversations the two have shared in Gainesville.
“We talk about deep things and things we can do together,” he said.
McCray also has developed bonds with young defensive linemen Kelby Collins, T.J. Searcy and Kamran James of Orlando, a talented young trio of Gators.
After news broke Napier fired defensive line coach Sean Spencer, Collins immediately texted McCray, who was practicing for Mainland’s semifinal matchup with Ocala Vanguard.
“Those guys are like my big brothers, so I can talk to them about anything,” he said.
Future Florida defenders certainly have plenty to discuss. The Gators ranked 11th in the SEC in total defense and points allowed while ranking 12th in sacks.
As the early signing period enters its final days, McCray appears to be ready for the challenge ahead.
“He’s got the right attitude,” Mary McCray said. “He understands coming in, they’re in a building process. He’s excited about it.”
Edgar Thompson can be reached at egthompson@orlandosentinel.com
