Commitment Breakdown: Five-star 2023 CB Cormani McClain flips to Colorado

What was once considered a safe bet for Florida has become a lock for Miami. When the early signing period arrived, the Hurricanes’ searing victory over Cormani McClain’s verbal touchdown was thrown into doubt when the Sunshine State prospect failed to sign his national letter of intent. On Thursday, Colorado pulled off the biggest turnaround of the 2023 recruiting cycle by securing the five-star DB commitment out of Lakeland High School, steering McClain away from Miami.

WHAT COLORADO GOT

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

WHY THIS IS GREAT FOR COLORADO

The coaching change from Karl Dorrell to Deion Sanders results in a restructuring of the roster. The Buffaloes suffered a 1-11 season in 2022, and they needed to bring new talent to Boulder. Landing a do-it-all talent in McClain’s corner will allow the defense to shadow the rest of the pack, knowing their true rookie can lock down the best receivers in the Pac-12 in one-on-one matchups.

Prime Time made some noise a year ago when it knocked 2022 top prospect Travis Hunter away from the DI tier to Jackson State. A year later, Coach Prime did it again, surprising everyone by adding McClain. The message is clear: Colorado will be able to recruit nationally, which sends a message to blueblood programs across the country.