‘Hard to make a decision:’ Cormani McClain impacted by Silly Season

According to On3’s Mike Huguenin, 54 FBS schools have changed defensive coordinators this offseason to go along with the 29 schools that changed head coaches. It’s completely altered the course of the recruiting world, including with top 2023 prospects like Five-Star Plus+ cornerback Cormani McClain.

McClain, the star defender from Lakeland (Fla.) Lake Gibson took to social media Wednesday morning to voice his frustration with the still spinning Silly Season.

“It’s Hard To Make A Decision When It’s Different Coaching Staff Every Other Day, And You Having To Rebuild Another Relationship With Another Person, For A School You Want To Attend,” McClain said in a tweet.

It’s Hard To Make A Decision When It’s Different Coaching Staff Every Other Day, And You Having To Rebuild Another Relationship With Another Person, For A School You Want To Attend.

— MONEYTEAM💵 (@CormaniMcClain2) February 9, 2022

According to the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine, McClain’s top schools are Florida, Miami, Georgia, Alabama and Florida State. And at a number of those schools, there’s been massive staff turnover.

For example, the Gators and Hurricanes have new head coaches and a revamped coaching staff. Then news broke on Monday that Jahmile Addae – who was recruiting McClain for UGA – was leaving for Miami.

Out-of-state schools — like BYU, Michigan, Ohio State, Oregon and USC — are working hard to stay involved. Interestingly, there’s been turnover at Michigan, Oregon and USC, too.

McClain named a top-five in November. But he told On3’s Chad Simmons on Monday he doesn’t have a top-five anymore.

“It’s not a top-five anymore, it’s a top-eight for me now,” Cormani McClain said. “Georgia, Oregon and Michigan are in there now.

“Those three schools have really been standing out for a little while. I have done a little more research on them, I was able to visit Georgia, and I like all three of those schools. They are up there for me now, too.”

Cormani McClain a coveted prospect

Outside of Arch Manning, no other recruitment has captured the attention of the college football world more than Cormani McClain. He’s the No. 1 player in Florida and a prized recruit for the Big Three schools in the Sunshine State.

Landing McClain would send a powerful message to prospects in the region and throughout the country, which is why Florida coach Billy Napier and Miami’s Mario Cristobal are going all-in. Florida State is, too, and it’s setting up for an unforgettable battle.

Cormani McClain is one of three 2023 Five-Star Plus+ recruits along with Los Alamitos (Calif.) High quarterback Malachi Nelson and New Orleans Isidore Newman quarterback Arch Manning.

Cormani McClain currently has an On3 NIL Valuation of $50,000, which ranks 50th in the On3 High School Football NIL Rankings. 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.