Lerentee McCray: 5 Things You Need to Know About the Florida LB

Lerentee McCray will enter the 2013 NFL draft after spending his collegiate playing days as a member of the Florida Gators, one of the nation's top defenses in 2012.

McCray could be selected anywhere between Rounds 4 and 6 by a team looking for an outside linebacker who can be considered a bit of a project, but one with tremendous upside.

McCray would be an ideal fit in a 3-4 defense. Still, he can play in a 4-3 defense as well and has experience as a defensive end in that scheme, something that should help his draft stock.

Background

Full Name: Lerentee McCray      

Birthday: October 26, 1990

Hometown: Dunnellon, Florida

High School: Dunnellon High

Year: Senior

McCray was a 4-star recruit to Florida, brought to the Gators by former head coach Urban Meyer.

McCray has a rare combination of size and speed and is much more athletic than he looks upon first glance.

In his final year at Florida, he was easily one of the biggest playmakers on the defensive side of the ball.

Statistics

2008: Five tackles

2009: Four tackles, one assist

2010: Five tackles, one assist, 0.5 sacks, one forced fumble

2011: 12 tackles, 12 assists, 1.5 sacks, one forced fumble

2012: 14 tackles, 11 assists, three sacks, one interception, one forced fumble

Though injuries plagued Lerentee McCray during his entire Florida tenure, he only missed five games in his final two seasons.

His stats improved every year and his performance on the field was noticeably better nearly every time he stepped on it.

Draft Process

Measurables

Height: 6'2"

Weight: 250

Arm Length: 33 3/8"

Hand Size: 10"

Lerentee McCray did not participate in the NFL Scouting Combine due to a hobbled shoulder and chose not to work out at the Florida pro day on March 13, instead opting for a private workout with a few fellow Gators on March 22.

The New England Patriots may be one of the teams interested in McCray's services as they had their own workout (patriotsgab.com) with him the day after Florida's pro day.

Interesting Facts

Lerentee McCray originally committed to the University of Miami but chose to go to Florida to be closer to family.

His single mother has leaned on him for support for many years as his older brother is serving a 29-year prison sentence.

McCray was given a medical redshirt following the 2009 season but also missed the last four games in 2011.

In the Outback Bowl following the 2010 season, McCray scooped up a blocked punt and returned it 27 yards for a touchdown to break a 7-7 tie with Penn State.

Observations

Lerentee McCray has received high praise from former teammates and coaches at Florida.

Courtesy of Gator Zone, teammate and fellow linebacker Jon Bostic felt McCray was a big part of the team, saying "He can pretty much do it all. He can drop in coverage. He can rush the quarterback. He's everything you want in a player."

Dan Quinn, his defensive coordinator at Florida, looked at McCray as an important cog on defense, stating "He brings it all the time. He provides energy for our team by the way he plays, the way he rushes. He adds toughness to our team."

Lance Zierlien, a sports radio host, feels the Packers, Texans and Steelers should have McCray on their draft board.

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Teams looking for some power out of a 3-4 OLB will certainly have Florida's Lerentee McCray on their board. #Packers #Steelers #Texans

— Lance Zierlein (@LanceZierlein) April 18, 2013"