It’s only his second year at Florida State, but Deante McCray already carries himself like a veteran on the Seminoles’ defensive line. In many respects, he is. Despite spending just one season in Tallahassee, the former Western Kentucky transfer has three years of college football experience and has accumulated 129 career tackles, including 12 tackles for loss. No other player on Florida State’s defensive line brings that level of production.
McCray expects to elevate his performance even further in 2026.
“I learned a lot last year,” McCray said as Florida State continued its second week of spring drills, as noted in an article by On3Sports’ Corey Clark. “I learned a lot about what it actually takes to be a D-Lineman. I learned a lot from Coach [Terrance] Knighton, and how to be an aggressive D-Lineman. Just attack and be relentless. Being relentless was the biggest thing I learned. Don’t let nothing stop you in your tracks. Being a more effective pass-rusher for sure. (source)
“He helped me hone in on my run-stopping skills as well. I’m grateful for that. I plan to dominate this season. That’s what I plan to do to help this team to a championship.”
To reach that level, McCray will need to surpass last season’s production. In his first year of Power 4 football, he appeared in 12 games for the Seminoles, making two starts and finishing with 25 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, and one sack.
He demonstrated that he belongs at this level, serving as a consistent presence in the defensive line rotation throughout the season. This year, however, McCray aims to be more than a rotational player. He is determined to earn a starting role and believes he has the potential to become a standout.
“Now, I know the defense in and out,” McCray said. “I’m flying around. No more thinking. Just wreak havoc. Make plays. Celebrate with my teammates, catching wins and help bring this team to championships. Like I said, I’m ready to dominate. I’m more comfortable than I’ve ever been here, and I plan to showcase that this year.”
McCray has been working at multiple positions along the defensive line, embracing versatility, though he expects most of his playing time to come on the interior.
When asked about his offseason goals as he approaches his final season of college football, his focus remained straightforward.
“Just keep getting better,” McCray said. “Because I can always improve at something. Even if I’m doing something good, I can always improve at something. Get better at my run-stopping ability, my pass-rush ability. All of that.”
He will also benefit from another season under Knighton, a former NFL veteran entering his second year as Florida State’s defensive line coach.
“He’s succeeded where I’m trying to get to, which is ultimately the NFL,” McCray said. “So, I listen to everything he has to say as far as technique-wise, as far as get-offs, all of that. He’s taught me a lot. When I first transferred in, I didn’t even know half this stuff existed in terms of mindset, ways of thinking of getting to the quarterback.
“So, it’s been a blessing to have him as my coach.”
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