LJ McCray has inked with the Florida Gators after some Early Signing Day drama.

McCray, a 5-star prospect, verbally committed to Florida on Oct. 21. He continued to take visits elsewhere though, notably to Florida State and Auburn.

When McCray did not take part in his high school’s signing day ceremony, flip speculation picked up amid the Gators’ rough recruiting finish. Even the signing of long-time commitment DJ Lagway, the other 5-star in UF’s class, did not come without some 11th-hour drama.

Wednesday evening, McCray went live on his Instagram account to reaffirm his plans to play for the Gators. UF confirmed that McCray’s National Letter of Intent was submitted.

Out of Daytona Beach (Florida) Mainland, McCray is listed as measuring 6-6, 260 pounds. On the 247Sports Composite, McCray is rated 5-stars, the No. 6 player in the state of Florida, No. 8 defensive lineman and No. 35 prospect overall in the Class of 2024.

With McCray on board, the Gators finish Day 1 of the Early Signing Period with 18 high school signees for the No. 16 class on the Composite. Billy Napier’s staff has also added 4 players from the transfer portal to the 2024 roster.

Gator fans who need a refresher of what McCray brings to Gainesville can check out his highlights below. McCray had 80 tackles (37 TFLs), 13 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, 2 pass breakups and an interception as a senior, leading Mainland to its first state title in 20 years.