Every five-star recruit within the 2024 cycle acquired an updated evaluation by CBS Sports after two faculty seasons at their respective packages. The outlet graded progress for all 32 of those blue-chip prospects, seeking to uncover which of the extremely touted gamers are exceeding expectations and which nonetheless have inquiries to reply in 2026.
While causes for his or her designations differ, former Gators‘ commits DJ Lagway and LJ McCray are each positioned within the “in question” class by 247Sports faculty soccer author Cooper Petagna. The article pinpoints accidents as the key setback for each gamers, emphasizing that expertise isn’t an impediment of their growth.
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Lagway’s profession at Florida by no means lived as much as the five-star standing, with accidents and inconsistent play stopping the celebrated signing from changing into a long-term reply at quarterback for the Orange and Blue. The Willis, Texas, native now begins once more at Baylor, the place he enters a pivotal season with the Bears.
With Lagway’s departure, McCray now carries the torch for UF’s 2024 recruiting class, with an outlook carrying a extra optimistic, forward-looking tone. Petagna famous that defensive coordinator Brad White and the Florida employees count on the 6-foot-4-inch, 270-pound defensive finish to turn out to be a major contributor now that he’s getting into the autumn wholesome.
White’s arrival renews confidence in McCray because the coach brings a repute for creating defensive linemen. White helped convey two-time NFL Pro Bowler Josh Hines-Allen to Kentucky; total, he has produced greater than a dozen NFL draft picks.
When wholesome, McCray has the potential to dramatically elevate the Gators’ defensive ceiling. Should he evolve into the drive scouts projected he could be out of highschool, Florida will likely be one step nearer to fielding a top-25 protection in 2026.
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This article initially appeared on Gators Wire: CBS Sports 5-star report features 2024’s prospects McCray, Lagway