BREAKING NEWS: WKU Defensive End Deante McCray Flips Commitment to Florida State Seminoles
Tallahassee, FL — In a stunning turn of events, Western Kentucky University (WKU) defensive end Deante McCray has announced that he is decommitting from the Hilltoppers and flipping his commitment to the Florida State Seminoles. McCray, a 6-foot-5, 250-pound powerhouse from Birmingham, Alabama, made the surprising announcement on social media Thursday afternoon, shaking up the college football recruiting world just weeks before the early signing period.
McCray, who had originally pledged to WKU earlier this year, revealed his decision in a heartfelt message to his followers. “After a lot of reflection and conversations with my family, I have decided to decommit from Western Kentucky and commit to Florida State University,” McCray wrote on Twitter. “This was a difficult decision, but after visiting Tallahassee and meeting with Coach Norvell and the staff, I feel that FSU is the best place for me to grow both as a player and a person. I’m excited for the opportunity to join a championship-level program and represent the Seminoles.”
The flip comes as a huge win for Florida State, which has been making significant strides under head coach Mike Norvell in recent seasons. McCray’s commitment is seen as a major coup for the Seminoles’ defense, as he is considered one of the top defensive ends in the nation. McCray had been a highly sought-after recruit, drawing interest from several power programs before initially committing to WKU in the summer.
McCray’s decommitment from Western Kentucky has left many wondering what led to his sudden change of heart. Sources close to McCray have revealed that while he appreciated the WKU coaching staff’s interest, the allure of playing for a storied program like Florida State, along with the opportunity to compete in the ACC and showcase his talent on a national stage, ultimately influenced his decision.
“Deante is an extremely talented player, and while we are disappointed to lose him, we understand and support his decision,” said WKU head coach Tyson Helton in a statement. “Florida State is an incredible program, and we wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors. We are grateful for the time and commitment he gave to us during the recruitment process.”
Florida State’s coaching staff wasted no time in celebrating McCray’s commitment. Coach Mike Norvell took to Twitter to express his excitement: “We are thrilled to welcome Deante McCray to the Seminole family! He’s a game-changer on defense and will bring a level of intensity and leadership that will elevate our team. We’re excited for what the future holds with him in Garnet and Gold!”
McCray’s flip is the latest example of the shifting dynamics in college football recruiting, where top-tier players are increasingly drawn to high-profile programs offering national exposure and the potential for immediate impact. With Florida State continuing to build momentum under Norvell, McCray’s commitment bolsters the Seminoles’ defense and adds another crucial piece to their upcoming recruiting class.
For FSU fans, this commitment is further proof that the program is on the rise. With McCray’s strong pass-rushing abilities and physical style of play, he is expected to play a significant role for the Seminoles early in his career. Florida State’s defense, already shaping up to be one of the most improved units in the ACC, will certainly benefit from McCray’s addition.
As McCray prepares for his senior season, all eyes will now be on the Seminoles as they continue to build their roster for the 2024 season. Fans and analysts alike will be eagerly awaiting his future performances, as Florida State looks to make a run for an ACC title in the coming years.
