Billy Napier credits Cormani McClain for stepping up in Florida's win over Kentucky

The Florida Gators got a win over the Kentucky Wildcats, snapping a three-game losing streak against the Wildcats and becoming the first win over Kentucky for Billy Napier. It was also a game highlighted by the play of defensive back Cormani McClain.

Following the win, Napier made sure to credit McClain for his performance in the win, praising him for stepping up when the secondary’s depth was challenged.

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“When Cormani was on the scout team earlier in the season he would intercept a couple passes every day,” Billy Napier said. “I would just tell the staff like, ‘Hey, this guy is down here, he got here mid-summer. Doesn’t know as much but he can play man coverage.'”

Cormani McClain has been a depth piece for the most part this season for Florida. However, injuries in the game against Kentucky forced him into action. He seized that opportunity too, returning an interception for a touchdown. The rest of the team was so excited for him in that moment that the entire defense earned an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.

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“Ultimately Jason [Marshall] goes down and then ultimately here we go. We’re down Ja’Keem [Jackson] and here we go, Cormani McClain is on the field,” Napier said. “He made an incredible play down in this corner of the endzone, right here. That PBU.”

By the time the game was over, McClain had a tackle, the pick-six, and a pass defended.

Cormani McClain was a five-star recruit and the top-ranked cornerback in the Class of 2023, according to the On3 Industry Rating. He initially went to Colorado, but struggled to consistently see the field and ended up transferring following the 2023 season.

“So the guy, he’s got a long way to go. Let’s, don’t put the crown on the guy’s head right now. But he stepped up. Guy got injured and he was able to go in there and do his job in a critical moment. He’s got great instincts. I think there is more room for growth. That’s what I would say,” Napier said.

“I think, ultimately, he’s matured to clean himself up a little bit and he’s a rookie. So, yeah, I think you got to continue to do what you’re supposed to do. Good things will happen.”

Cormani McClain and Florida will look to build on their performance against Kentucky next week when they have a bye before taking on the Georgia Bulldogs to start November.