USC jumps on big-time Florida prospect
Jacksonville (Fla.) Andrew Jackson defensive lineman D'Angelo McCray has offers from coast to coast to his credit, and made an early commitment to the Florida Gators. However, the 6-foot-4, 280-pound McCray, who is ranked by Rivals.com as the No. 7 overall prospect in the Sunshine State, recently decided to re-evaluate his plans.
"I am no longer committed to Florida," McCray said. "The schools I'm looking at right now are South Carolina, Illinois, Georgia Tech, Ole Miss and Florida State."
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South Carolina is a newcomer to McCray's list, and have emerged as a major player for his services.
"South Carolina is a team I really like," he said. "They have Steve Spurrier now, and he had a winning season last year in his first season there. I think he's getting ready to really get things going up there. I also know Gerrod (Sinclair) from here (Jacksonville)."
McCray, who is also ranked as the nation's No. 43 overall prospect, talked with several Gamecock coaches over the weekend.
"I talked to pretty much their whole staff on the phone on Saturday, and they told me they really want me to come there. They think I could play early, and it looks like I'm going to visit there the weekend of the Georgia game."
Ron Zook and Illinois are also fighting for McCray's signature.
"I know coach (Dan) Disch pretty well, and it's in a place well away from home. I like that they're in the Big Ten. I'm going to visit there for their homecoming game. I think it's against Indiana."
Georgia Tech is off to a hot start in recruiting and is hoping to add McCray to the puzzle.
"I know Mario (Butler) and Jacoby (Monroe) real good, and they're both committed there. I've known Mario pretty much my whole life. Coach (Buddy) Geis is my recruiter, and he is coming after me pretty hard."
Ole Miss also appeals to McCray, who has been timed in the 40-yard dash in as fast as 4.7 seconds.
"Ole Miss has a couple of guys from my high school playing there, and Coach Orgeron is a pretty cool guy."
Florida State rounds out the list of schools McCray commented on.
"I've been watching FSU play since I was in middle school. Coach (Odell) Haggins stays in touch me on a regular basis."
McCray, who recorded 52 tackles, 23 tackles for loss and 13 sacks as a junior, will make his final decision based on several factors.
"I want to go to a place with some of my friends, and a place where there will be people I know," he said. "I'd like to play early, but I'll redshirt if I need to. I just also want to be in a good environment, and play for a position coach that I can be totally comfortable with."
No team on his list stands out more than the others.
"All of them are pretty much on an even playing field. If I get selected for the Army (All-American) game, I'll probably make my announcement there on TV."
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