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Florida's Woods, McCray mentioned on The Athletic's 2026 Freaks List
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- Florida's Woods, McCray mentioned on The Athletic's 2026 Freaks List
The Athletic's annual Freak List was released this week, ranking 101 of the most exceptional athletes in college football based on size, speed, strength and explosiveness.
Two Gators appear on the list as edge rushers Jayden Woods and LJ McCray. Woods jumped 35 spots from No. 40 in last year's list to No. 5, while McCray makes his debut in Bruce Feldman's hierarchy at No. 33.
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Woods has continued to develop since his freshman campaign in Gainesville. According to The Athletic, his offseason numbers are highlighted by a 385-pound bench press, 405-pound power clean and 600-pound squat. As a freshman, the defender posted a 10-foot-5-inch broad jump, 33.5-inch vertical and 4.28-second shuttle.
Jon Sumrall gloats about him. "He's a baller," the first-year head coach says. "He's strong, runs a legit 4.4. He's really an unbelievable kid. He's just a special, unique human."
At 6-feet-7-inches, 270 pounds, McCray reportedly reached 20.3 mph this offseason after previously topping out around 18.5 mph, according to Florida strength and conditioning coach Rusty Whitt. The Daytona Beach, Florida, native added 21 pounds of lean muscle after injuries interrupted his first two seasons in Orange and Blue.
For Woods, athleticism has translated into on-field production. He amassed 3.5 sacks, five tackles for loss, and an interception as a freshman. McCray missed nearly the entire 2025 season after fracturing his foot in September. He played just four snaps after recording one quarterback hurry before season-ending surgery.
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This article originally appeared on Gators Wire: Florida's Woods, McCray mentioned on The Athletic's 2026 Freaks List
