LJ McCray’s breakout performance against Texas earned the Florida defensive lineman some conference recognition Monday.
The SEC named McCray a co-Defensive Lineman of the Week alongside Tennessee defensive end Tyree Weathersby following Florida’s 27-24 road win over then-No. 7 Texas.
McCray delivered one of the best games of his career in Austin, finishing with four tackles and setting career highs with 1.5 sacks and 2.5 tackles for loss. Florida’s defense finished with five sacks overall and held Texas to 99 rushing yards.
His biggest sequence came late in the third quarter, with the game tied 17-17. McCray dropped Raleek Brown for a 2-yard loss on first down, then combined with Brendan Bett to sack Arch Manning for another 7-yard loss on the next play.
Texas eventually punted, and Florida responded with a 14-play drive that ended with Patrick Durkin’s 28-yard field goal, giving the Gators their first lead of the afternoon.
McCray also helped Florida’s defense control the second half. Texas managed just 96 total yards after halftime and went 0-for-4 on third down as the Gators erased a 17-10 halftime deficit.
Weathersby shared the weekly honor after recording two sacks, 2.5 tackles for loss and a fumble recovery in Tennessee’s 26-10 win over Alabama.
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This article originally appeared on Gators Wire: Florida's LJ McCray earns SEC weekly honor after career day at Texas