Published Jan 19, 2023
Commitment Breakdown: Five-star 2023 CB Cormani McClain flips to Colorado
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Ryan Wright  •  Rivals.com
National Recruiting Analyst
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@RWrightRivals
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What was once rumored to be a sure thing for Florida became a lock for Miami. When the Early Signing Period came, the Hurricanes’ feather-in-the-cap win of verbally landing Cormani McClain was put in doubt when the Sunshine State prospect did not sign his National Letter of Intent. On Thursday, Colorado pulled off the biggest flip in the 2023 recruiting cycle by securing the commitment of the five-star DB out of Lakeland High School, keeping McClain away from Miami.

WHAT COLORADO IS GETTING

When McClain is on his game, there is no better corner in the 2023 class. McClain has the height, wingspan, hips and speed defensive coordinators dream of for corners. Colorado has landed a five-tool defender who can cover and bring support against the run. Expect McClain to start from day one for Colorado.

WHY THIS IS BIG FOR COLORADO

The coaching change from Karl Dorrell to Deion Sanders is bringing about a restructuring of the roster. The Buffaloes suffered through a 1-11 season in 2022, and they needed to bring new talent to Boulder. Landing a do-all talent at corner in McClain will allow the defense to shade to the rest of the field, knowing their true freshman can lock down top Pac-12 receivers in one-on-one matchups.

Prime Time made noise a year ago by pulling top-rated 2022 prospect Travis Hunter away from the D-I level to Jackson State. A year later, Coach Prime is doing it again, surprising all by adding McClain. The message is clear: Colorado will be able to recruit on a national level, which sends a message to blueblood programs across the country.

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