3-star defensive tackle Malcolm Ray committed to Florida State shortly after decommitting from South Florida on Wednesday.
Ray’s commitment comes at no surprise for those who followed his recruitment and what Florida State needed in the class. Once it became clear that the Seminoles were not in the driver’s seat for 4-star defensive tackle Tyler Davis, it needed to go its backup options and high-ceiling type prospects.
The Seminoles needed one more defensive tackle to make them feel comfortable about their depth at the position. Enter Ray.
Though he is labeled a defensive tackle, that is considered a future projection for him. He played in more of a defensive end role for Miami Carol City this past season. Ray uses his 6-foot-2 and 250-pound frame efficiently in the pass rush, and he has a high motor to boot. He is still probably a 2-year project since he physically does not match what FSU wants from its defensive tackles.
A less filled-out Cory Durden is a good comparison for Ray at this point. Durden showed surprising explosiveness in 2018 and earned a lot of opportunities throughout the year. Ray will probably require more time.
Note that Malcolm Ray and Jarvis Brownlee are on the same high school team. While they are not a package deal, both are wanted by Florida State. The staff believes both players have high ceilings and have the type of mentality they want in the locker room.
Ray is the fifth defensive line commit in the 2019 class. 247Sports Composite Rankings have him as the 67th best defensive tackle and 1,111th overall player in the 2019 class.
His commitment brings the Florida State class to 10th nationally and second in the ACC, per the 247Sports Composite. Since Kayvon Thibodeaux committed to Oregon back on Dec. 15, Florida State’s defensive line class is full and it will not be pursuing anyone else at the position group.
Clint Eiland is the Lead Writer for The Daily Nole. You can follow him on Twitter @ClintEiland.
Jeremy Esbrandt
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