Florida Gators junior defensive lineman LJ McCray was named a comeback player of the week by the College Sports Communicators after recording career highs in sacks and tackles for loss during Florida’s 27-24 win at No. 7 Texas. McCray made four tackles, including three solo tackles, along with 1.5 sacks and 2.5 tackles for loss in the Oct. 17 victory in Austin, Texas. The honor was announced Oct. 20.
McCray Made Two Key Plays Against Texas
McCray made consecutive impact plays near the end of the third quarter against the Texas Longhorns. He recorded a tackle for loss for two yards before adding half a sack for a seven-yard loss on the next play. The sequence stifled a Texas drive, and Florida took its first lead of the game, 20-17, on the ensuing drive.
The 1.5 sacks and 2.5 tackles for loss were both career highs for McCray. He was one of three defensive players and three offensive players recognized as comeback players of the week. His performance came in Florida’s win over No. 7 Texas.
Daytona Native Earned Recognition After Injury
McCray was named to the College Football Comeback Player of the Year preseason watch list after making one appearance for the Florida Gators in 2025. He missed the rest of that season because of an injury. Through seven games, McCray had 2.5 sacks, 4.5 tackles for loss and 12 total tackles, including nine solo tackles.
McCray is a Daytona, Florida, native and a junior defensive lineman for the Gators. His Texas performance accounted for 1.5 sacks and 2.5 tackles for loss in the seven-game totals. The College Sports Communicators honor recognized his production during Florida’s 5-2 start.
Florida Enters Bye Week at 5-2
The No. 20 Gators entered the bye week with a 5-2 overall record and a 3-2 mark in Southeastern Conference play. Florida is scheduled to return from the bye week against No. 5 Georgia in Atlanta. The source lists that game for Oct. 30, while the ticket information lists the Atlanta game for Oct. 31.
Single-game tickets are available for Florida home games against Oklahoma on Nov. 7 and Vanderbilt on Nov. 21. Ticket information also lists availability for the game against Georgia in Atlanta. The source identifies Jon Sumrall as Florida’s first-year head coach.
FSB Take
McCray’s recognition connects a career-best performance with Florida’s 27-24 road win over No. 7 Texas. His two-play sequence late in the third quarter produced a tackle for loss and half a sack before the Gators took their first lead. Florida will next turn to its return from the bye week against No. 5 Georgia in Atlanta.
Source: Original report