The first-year Edge was one of the most highly regarded recruits in the 2024 signing class.
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Freshman LJ McCray has been named to the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award Preseason Watch List, the Maxwell Football Club announced Wednesday. The first-year Edge was one of the most highly regarded high school recruits in this year’s signing class.
The Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award is an honor given each year to the most outstanding freshman player in college football. Named after Shaun Alexander since 2018, this award recognizes the exceptional performance and impact made by these players on their respective teams throughout the season. The Alexander Award is dedicated to championing future legends and evaluates players based on Talent, Character, Ambassador and Legend.
McCray graded out as a five-star recruit by On3 and 247Sports, and as the No. 1 recruit in his position group by On3. He was the third overall recruit nationally by On3, sixth by 247Sports and 23rd by ESPN. He led Mainland High School to its first state title in 20 years in 2023, and in 35 career games with Mainland, totaled 133 tackles, 18.0 sacks and 62.0 tackles for loss.
Former winners of the Alexander Award include Trevor Lawrence, Will Anderson Jr., Brock Bowers and Drake May.
The 37 players on the watch list will be narrowed down to 14 semifinalists on November 6, and further cut to five finalists on December 4. The winner will be announced on Thursday, Dec. 26, and the award will be presented on Friday, March 14, 2025, at the Maxwell Football Club Awards ceremony.
2024 FLORIDA FOOTBALL TICKETS
A limited-number of single-game tickets are still available for six home games including matchups against Samford, Texas A&M, UCF, Kentucky, LSU, and Ole Miss by clicking here. For more information on football tickets, call the Gator Ticket Office at (352) 375-4683, or fill out this form to be contacted by a ticket office representative.
UF Release
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Freshman LJ McCray has been named to the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award Preseason Watch List, the Maxwell Football Club announced Wednesday. The first-year Edge was one of the most highly regarded high school recruits in this year’s signing class.
The Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award is an honor given each year to the most outstanding freshman player in college football. Named after Shaun Alexander since 2018, this award recognizes the exceptional performance and impact made by these players on their respective teams throughout the season. The Alexander Award is dedicated to championing future legends and evaluates players based on Talent, Character, Ambassador and Legend.
McCray graded out as a five-star recruit by On3 and 247Sports, and as the No. 1 recruit in his position group by On3. He was the third overall recruit nationally by On3, sixth by 247Sports and 23rd by ESPN. He led Mainland High School to its first state title in 20 years in 2023, and in 35 career games with Mainland, totaled 133 tackles, 18.0 sacks and 62.0 tackles for loss.
Former winners of the Alexander Award include Trevor Lawrence, Will Anderson Jr., Brock Bowers and Drake May.
The 37 players on the watch list will be narrowed down to 14 semifinalists on November 6, and further cut to five finalists on December 4. The winner will be announced on Thursday, Dec. 26, and the award will be presented on Friday, March 14, 2025, at the Maxwell Football Club Awards ceremony.
2024 FLORIDA FOOTBALL TICKETS
A limited-number of single-game tickets are still available for six home games including matchups against Samford, Texas A&M, UCF, Kentucky, LSU, and Ole Miss by clicking here. For more information on football tickets, call the Gator Ticket Office at (352) 375-4683, or fill out this form to be contacted by a ticket office representative.
UF Release
