5-star CB Cormani McClain flips to Colorado, Deion Sanders from Miami

Lakeland (Fla.) five-star cornerback Cormani McClain has flipped to Colorado from Miami. He was previously committed to the Hurricanes since Oct. 27, but did not sign with them during the Early Signing Period.

McClain’s decision is the latest development in one of the most wild recruitments of the 2023 cycle. He chose the Buffaloes after taking an official visit to Boulder.

Alabama and Florida were originally thought to be the top landing spots for McClain before he chose Miami. Now, the five-star is heading to play for head coach Deion Sanders.

Landing McClain is the second time in two cycles that Sanders has flipped a five-star prospect. Last year, Five-Star Plus+ athlete Travis Hunter signed with Jackson State after being committed to Florida State for nearly two years.

During the Under Armour All-America Game, McClain told ESPN that he would “sign January 15.” However, that date a prospect can only sign a financial aid agreement, which is non-binding. On February 1 — National Signing Day — McClain could then sign his National Letter of Intent, which binds him to the college of his choice on that date.

The 6-foot-1.5, 160-pound defensive back is the No. 10 overall prospect in the 2023 class, according to the On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He is also the nation’s No. 1 cornerback and No. 2 player in Florida.

McClain has an On3 NIL Valuation of $379K. The On3 NIL Valuation is an index that looks to set the standard market value for both high school and college-level athletes. The NIL valuation does not act as a tracker of the value of NIL deals an athlete has completed to date. It rather signifies an athlete’s value at a certain moment in time.

Cormani McClain Scouting Summary

The following is the On3 Scouting Summary for Cormani McClain:

“Has the best combination of stature, athleticism and ball skills among cornerback prospects in the 2023 cycle. Measured over 6-foot-1 prior to his junior season and has posted some of the best testing numbers in a combine setting we’ve seen from prospects in his cycle. A twitchy, bouncy athlete with explosive movement patterns. Pairs that athleticism with high end skill on the field. Has proven to be a ballhawk defender with nine interceptions as a sophomore and five picks midway through his junior season.

“Uses his quickness to stay in-phase with receivers off the line and long speed to turn and run downfield. Highly instinctual and plays fast. Breaks on the ball quickly. Comfortable playing off and press coverage. Doubles as a receiver, which aids in his ball skills and coordination. Would be a four-star type talent at receiver if he chose. Has a thinner frame at 165 pounds and will need to continue adding bulk. Older for the class.“