Simmons Scoop: Three schools are in good position for Five-Star Plus+ CB Cormani McClain

This weekend, Lakeland (Fla.) Five-Star Plus+ cornerback Cormani McClain will be in Gainesville on a visit for Florida‘s game against Utah. On3 Director of Recruiting Chad Simmons believes the Gators are one of the favorites for the 6-foot-1, 165 pound defensive back, along with Alabama and Miami.

“Cormani, I think is really focused on Alabama, Florida and you have schools like Miami, Georgia trying to hang around in there,” Simmons said. “I think this would probably come down to those three of Alabama and two in-state schools, Florida and Miami. I like where Alabama is right now, but Florida is right there.”

McClain is the No. 3 overall prospect and No. 1 cornerback in the 2023 On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He is also the No. 1 player in Florida.

CLICK HERE to subscribe for FREE to the On3 YouTube channel

According to the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine, Alabama is leading for McClain’s commitment at 44%. However, Florida isn’t far behind at 33.3%. Meanwhile, Miami has the third-best odds for McClain at 18.1%.

While Simmons believes that the Crimson Tide are currently the front-runner for McClain, he is certainly not counting out the Gators.

“(Cornerbacks coach) Corey Raymond, (head coach) Billy Napier and numerous staff members are involved with McClain and the family, so a great job done by them getting him on campus this weekend,” Simmons said.

Cormani McClain On3 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.”

McClain has an On3 NIL Valuation of $307K. 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.