By Edgar Thompson, Orlando Sentinel 7:26 p.m. EST, September 18, 2012

Lerentee McCray, front (34), and other Florida players celebrate with fans after defeating Tennessee 37-20 at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville. (Christine Casey for the Orlando Sentinel / Sep 18, 2012)

GAINESVILLE As an 18-year-old freshman for the 2008 Florida Gators, linebacker Lerentee McCray enjoyed the ultimate success in college football.

With a national championship ring on his finger already, McCray looked ahead to his best years with the Gators. Instead, injuries, position changes and coach Urban Meyer's departure stalled McCray's career.

Things were no better an hour down the road from Gainesville, back home in Dunnellon, where McCray faced a family crisis and questions about his struggles with the Gators.

But McCray never questioned himself and has become a leader on defense three games into his fifth and final season at Florida.

"The most difficult point was hearing everybody back home just asking my mom what is going on with me and all that," McCray recalled. "That and just a couple of injuries that bumped me down the road. That's been the hardest part, but I have been able to overcome it."

No one on the Gators defense the backbone of the nation's 14th-ranked team preparing to host Kentucky (1-2) Saturday has made more impact plays than McCray.

During last weekend's 37-20 win at Tennessee, McCray intercepted a pass to set up the game's first touchdown and forced another pick in the third quarter, with the score 20-20. A week earlier at Texas A&M, McCray sacked elusive freshman quarterback Johnny Manziel as the Gators shut out the Aggies explosive offense during the second half of a 20-17 win.

"He can drop in coverage; he can rush the quarterback; he's physical," senior inside linebacker Jon Bostic said. "He's everything you want in a player."

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Gator Lerentee McCray's personal adversity has fueled his success