Skip to main content

Five-Star DE LJ McCray Sticks With Pledge To Gators Over Florida State

The Seminoles failed to pull off an Early Signing Period shocker on the recruiting trail.
  • Author:
  • Updated:
    Original:

The Early Signing Period always provides plenty of drama, both with uncommitted recruits and those who are already pledged to a school. This is such a fluid time of year that just about anything can happen over the next couple of days. The Seminoles are in pursuit of multiple prospects who could boost Tribe24 into one of the top classes in the country.

On Wednesday, five-star defensive end LJ McCray announced that he was sticking with his pledge to the Florida Gators over Florida State after some signing day drama. The expectation coming into the day was that the elite prospect would sign with the Gators after committing to Billy Napier back in October.

Questions arose if McCray would stay with Florida after the program failed to win a single game after his pledge. Regardless, he'll head to Gainesville with the Gators facing a murderers' row of a schedule in 2024.

The Seminoles need to add more depth to the roster with Jared Verse moving on to the NFL. As of now, FSU is bringing in four-star defensive end DD Holmes and Georgia transfer Marvin Jones Jr. into a room that includes redshirt sophomore Patrick Payton, redshirt sophomore Gilber Edmond, redshirt freshman Byron Turner Jr, and true freshman Lamont Green Jr.

The Florida native recorded 77 tackles, 37 tackles for loss, 13 sacks, three forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, two pass deflections, and an interception during his senior season. He helped guide Mainland High School to a state championship in December.

The 6-foot-6, 260-pound defensive lineman is regarded as the No. 6 overall prospect, the No. 2 DL, and the No. 3 recruit in the state of Florida in the 2024 class according to 247Sports.

As of now, Florida State holds 21 signees in its 2024 class, which ranks No. 10 overall in the country according to 247Sports.

NoleGameday will continue to follow Florida State's Early Signing Period finish throughout the day. You can check out our prospect tracker for all of the upcoming announcements HERE.


READ MORE: Florida State Linebacker DJ Lundy Officially Enters NCAA Transfer Portal Database

Stick with NoleGameday for more coverage of Florida State football throughout the 2023 season.

Follow NoleGameday on Twitter and Facebook