South Florida Sun-Sentinel Palm Beach (Sunday)
Star recruit McClain flips to Sanders, Colorado
The Hurricanes took a major hit on the recruiting trail on Thursday.
After deciding not to sign during the Early Signing Period as expected, five-star cornerback Cormani McClain ultimately flipped his Hurricanes commitment and opted for Colorado and its new coach, Deion Sanders. He announced Thursday that he will sign with the Buffaloes on National Signing Day.
McClain, a Lakeland High star, committed to Miami In October and originally planned to sign during the Early Signing Period. But his mother posted on social media on the first day of the December signing period that he was going to delay.
Alabama reportedly made a late push for McClain, who considered the Crimson Tide before committing to Miami. Ultimately, it was Colorado that won out.
McClain is not the first major recruit Sanders has flipped late in the process. In 2021, he made a splash by flipping Travis Hunter, the No. 1 prospect in the 2022 class, from Florida State to Jackson State.
McClain’s change of heart puts a damper on the Hurricanes’ otherwise highly touted recruiting class. McClain is the No. 12 player and the No. 1 cornerback in the 2023 class, according to 247Sports’ composite rankings. He was the third five-star prospect in the Hurricanes’ class, along offensive linemen Francis Mauigoa and Samson Okunlola.
Without McClain, Miami’s class drops to sixth in 247Sports’ rankings. The Hurricanes have three other cornerbacks in the class: four-star prospects Damari Brown, Antione Jackson and Robert Stafford. Brown’s older brother, Davonte Brown, is also a cornerback, and he is transferring from UCF.
McClain, who was in South Florida in December when he won a Class 4S state championship, said after that game that he was ready to start playing at the next level.
“I’m ready right now,” McClain said.