FSU football: 5-star DL target LJ McCray may delay decision?

FSU football has acquired many talented prospects in their 2024 recruiting class, but the coaching staff is not finished with acquiring talent on the defensive line such as five-star LJ McCray and three-star D'Nas White.

There are not many defensive line coaches that can develop at a high rate quite like the legendary Odell Haggins. The Seminoles certainly have a recruiting pitch at their disposal with Haggins.

One prospect to monitor going forward is five-star Florida defensive lineman commit LJ McCray from Mainland High School in Daytona Beach (FL). McCray had expressed mutual interest in the Seminoles and was even willing to wait to commit to the school of his choice so that he could officially visit Tallahassee in October.

The talented defender elected to commit to the arch-rival Florida Gators after the official visit. However, the Gators struggled down the stretch to close out the 2023 season where they lost their last five games. This allowed Florida State and Auburn to gain traction once again for McCray.

The Seminoles got an unofficial visit for McCray on December 8th then he traveled to Auburn on December 9th. Both schools are certainly in the mix to acquire him.

Interestingly enough, On3 National Recruiting Expert Hayes Fawcett reported that the Daytona Beach (FL) native suggested that there was a strong possibility that he would no longer sign today.

This creates a ton of speculation if McCray does not sign until February. He has kept Florida State in the mix of top schools but has elected to choose Florida in the past. At this moment, the Seminoles have signed four-star defensive end DD Holmes and three-star defensive tackle Jamorie Flagg (are also in strong consideration of grabbing three-star defensive tackle D'Nas White).

While five-star defensive back KJ Bolden flipping to Georgia stings, it could make everything easier if the Seminoles found a way to acquire McCray in the fold. Florida State would be losing current defensive linemen such as Jared Verse, Malcolm Ray, Fabien Lovett Sr., Braden Fiske, Ayobami Tifase, and Dennis Briggs Jr.

That would certainly cheer up the spirits of Florida State fanbase during the Early Signing Period.