When Lerentee McCray switched to defensive end in fall 2009, his days roaming the middle of the defense appeared to be behind him.
But now, after two years of limited action on the line, the junior is in position to start at strong-side linebacker.
On Wednesday McCray said he’s been taking the first-team repetitions in practice alongside sophomore Jelani Jenkins and junior Jon Bostic, with sophomore Darrin Kitchens and freshman Gideon Ajagbe backing him up.
“I’ve always been ready to take on that starting role,” McCray said. “I really feel comfortable pass-rushing, but adapting to the linebacker position has been coming along really good for me.”
Said coach Will Muschamp: “At this point he’s played the best at the SAM. I would say he’s been the most consistent guy.”
McCray came to UF as a four-star recruit and the No. 10 outside linebacker in the nation, according to Rivals.com.
As a senior at Ocala Dunnellon High, he recorded 118 tackles and nine sacks from a standing position.
When he arrived on campus, McCray impressed coaches with his ability to rush off the edge in sets featuring three down linemen.
That led to the switch to defensive end, where McCray recorded six tackles in limited action last year behind seniors Justin Trattou and Duke Lemmens.
But Muschamp and his staff want to use McCray differently. They have decided to stand him up in their hybrid defense that uses a mix of 3-4 and 4-3 principles.
Muschamp said McCray has performed well in the team’s sub packages, and that his pass-rush abilities give the defense a little more “juice” off the edge.
“This defensive scheme has helped me out a lot,” McCray said. “Just moving back and forth, showcasing my talent and some of the stuff I can do when I get on the grass.”
McCray added that his role changes depending on the situation and the offensive play call. He estimates that if the opposing offense is passing, he’ll be dropping back into coverage 70 percent to 80 percent of the time.
Muschamp’s defense is based heavily on cunning and subterfuge, so McCray will also occasionally play the Buck linebacker position, which puts a greater emphasis on the pass rush.
McCray said he’s comfortable with the defense and the many different schemes and blitz packages that comprise it. Given the deception and flexibility involved, McCray thinks the Gators have a chance to catch opponents off guard this season.
“Some teams out there [are] underestimating us, a lot of people doubting us,” he said. “We’re always ready to surprise some people.”
Contact Greg Luca at gluca@alligator.org.
Florida junior Lerentee McCray (34) appears to have claimed the starting job at strong-side linebacker alongside Jon Bostic and Jelani Jenkins after playing a limited role at defensive end last season.
