FSU's Relentless DL Newcomer of Year with Elite Run-Stopping Grit
Deante McCray, Florida State's 6'4", 287-lb defensive lineman, is a **Redshirt Senior** who earned **2025 FSU Defense Newcomer of the Year** after delivering a top-10 upset win over Alabama with his first TFL as a Nole [2][10]. His differentiator is **relentless intensity** and **consistent run-stopping ability**, driven by a personality that demands rapid improvement even when excelling [3]. McCray added weight (now ~285–287 lbs) to boost effectiveness while maintaining agility, and he graduated with a sociology degree in Spring 2026, signaling maturity [2][3]. He's a **high-fit defensive anchor** for teams needing a **physical, consistent DL** who elevates in big games, with no reported injury history and a proven track record of emerging as a veteran leader alongside peers like Daniel Lyons [2][8].
