Former Miami 5-star cornerback commit Cormani McClain flips to Deion Sanders’ Colorado
At one time, cornerback Cormani McClain was considered the crown jewel of the University of Miami recruiting commits in the Class of 2023.
Now he’s the five-star cornerback that got away.
Lakeland’s Cormani McClain told 247Sports on Thursday that he has flipped his commitment from the Hurricanes to the Colorado Buffaloes, who for the first time will be coached this season by former FSU, NFL and MLB star Deion Sanders, also known as “Prime Time” Deion, or most recently, “Coach Prime.’’
It’s the second straight year Sanders has pried away the nation’s No. 1 cornerback from a Florida school. Last year, Travis Hunter flipped from the Florida State Seminoles to the FCS Jackson State Tigers on the first day of the early signing period and now McClain is Sanders’ first gigantic recruiting victory since arriving in Boulder.
McClain can officially sign his national letter of intent starting next month.
The Hurricanes, coached by Mario Cristobal, were ranked as high as the No. 3 recruiting class by ESPN and No. 4 by 247Sports and On3 before McClain’s deflection, but slipped to as low as No. 7 in the 247Sports rankings heading into the second signing period that begins Feb. 1 for the Class of 2023.
McClain’s change of heart, which most believe is name, image and likeness money related, was mostly expected. The only real surprise came on Dec. 21, the first day of the early signing period, when McClain’s mother posted a tweet at 9:36 a.m. that made it appear he was reconsidering or had changed his mind.
The tweet by his mom, who goes by @Kaishay5: “FALSE ALARM!!!! THERE WILL BE NO SIGNING FOR @CormaniMcClain2 TODAY... SORRY FOR THE INCONVENIENCE!!!”
McClain had been orally committed to UM for a few months. He visited Colorado last weekend.
Sanders coached Jackson State of the FCS last season. Following Sanders from Jackson State to Colorado was former 5-star Hunter.
This story was originally published January 19, 2023 at 8:01 PM.
