Lerentee McCray confident he is ready for expanded role on Gators' defense
Saturday, August 6, 2011 | Football, Men's Tennis, Scott Carter
The lasting image of Lerentee McCray for most Gator fans is him scooping up a blocked punt and racing 27 yards for a touchdown in Florida's win over the Outback Bowl in January.
The play was an important one in the game and for McCray, his shining moment as a Gator. It didn't hurt that new Gators coach Will Muschamp, set to take over for Urban Meyer after the game, watched from a private suite at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa.
As far as introductions go, McCray's scored points literally and figuratively.
“Lerentee has a great motor. He is very passionate about playing at Florida,'' Muschamp said Friday at Media Day. “It's important to him to be a Gator.''
With depth at linebacker a question mark behind starters Jelani Jenkins and Jon Bostic, McCray is considered a front-runner to play strongside linebacker in Florida's 4-3 defensive package and a hybrid outside linebacker/defensive end in 3-4 fronts.
McCray appeared in 10 games as a redshirt sophomore last season and registered a modest six tackles. If all goes well in fall camp, McCray could rack up last year's tackle total in Florida's season opener against Florida Atlantic.
“He's a guy that can give us some pass rushing plays, he's tough, and he sticks his face in there,'' McCray said. “He's a guy that you really appreciate coaching. We expect him to have a really good year.''
McCray (6-2, 241) is ready for his revised role, getting an opportunity to play two positions instead of one.
“It's just a combination of what I've been doing since I've been here at Florida,'' McCray said. “It's nothing that's really new to me besides the schemes and technique that is being coached.
“Going into camp I'm very confident.''
Part of the reason McCray said he is optimistic that he can earn a starting role in camp is because of what he has learned since Muschamp and defensive coordinator Dan Quinn arrived. They have taught him to look at the game differently.
“The athleticism thing I have,'' he said. “They've been coaching me up on my technique to be a better football player rather than being an athlete.''
