BREAKING: Florida Holds On as Five-Star LJ McCray Signs with UF

The Gators have held a commitment from five-star defensive lineman LJ McCray since October, but that hasn't stopped others like Auburn and Florida State from making a heavy push to flip him. Despite their efforts, McCray stayed true to his initial commitment and signed with Florida on Wednesday.

After losing Xavier Filsaime leading into the early signing period and then Adarius Hayes and Amaris Williams on Wednesday afternoon, it became even more crucial for the Gators to hang onto their recruits, especially on the defensive side of the ball. Despite some late fireworks, McCray remains loyal to Florida and gives the team an instant boost along the defensive front.

The No. 2 defensive lineman in the country, according to 247Sports, gave Florida quite the scare on Wednesday as just moments before he was scheduled to sign, he announced the postponement of his decision. However, sources close to the situation said that the Gators received McCray's signed letter of intent around 4 p.m. ET on Wednesday. The signing was not made public until after McCray announced it on his own.

McCray put together another respectable stat line over the course of his senior season. He anchored the Mainland (Fla.) defense and helped lead the team to their first state title since 2003, with 77 tackles, 37 tackles for loss and 13 sacks on the year.

The main question leading into Wednesday was how the defensive coaching changes would impact McCray's decision. While Mike Peterson was the five-star's primary recruiter, Sean Spencer played a large role in his recruitment and ultimately built a good relationship with McCray. However, it's been defensive coordinator Austin Armstrong who McCray feels closest to.

"I really talk to a lot of the coaches there," McCray said of Florida. "Coach Napier a lot, but I would say Coach [Sean] Spencer and Coach [Mike] Peterson have been the ones I have talked to the longest. I talk to them evenly. Since Coach Armstrong has gotten there. I probably talk to him more than anyone at Florida now. Since he's been there, I think I am one of the first guys he called."

Later in the day on Wednesday, news broke that the Gators were targeting former Tulane defensive line coach Gerald Chatman to fill that role.

McCray is now the 22nd player to officially sign with the Gators on Wednesday and joins DJ Lagway as the headliners of the Gators' 2024 class.