Cormani McClain did not play much during the first four games of the season and Deion Sanders did not hold back when asked why that was the case. The first-year head football coach at Colorado essentially said that McClain simply did not put in the work to earn his spot on the field.
(UPDATE: Cormani McClain was BENCHED during his first start for Colorado after playing absolutely terrible against Arizona State. READ MORE HERE!)
His message to the freshman defensive back was very clear. Coach Prime did not mince his words.
Study and prepare. Be on time for meetings, show up to the darn meetings.
Understand the scheme. Understand what we are doing as a scheme.
Want to play this game, desire to play this game, desire to be the best in this game, at practice, in the film room and on your own free time.
You do know I check film time from each player upon the week so I can see who’s preparing, that’s not just about Cormani. So if I don’t see that you would be a fool to put somebody out there who’s not prepared. Can’t do it, won’t do it.
— Deion Sanders
McClain, a five-star prospect in the recruiting Class of 2023, flipped to the Buffaloes at the last minute. Everything pointed to him playing at Miami. Sanders got him to Boulder.
However, McClain did not start for a thin Colorado secondary group during the first month of the season. He also did not start against USC, but he saw significant playing time down the stretch.
McClain responded to Sanders on Instagram earlier in the week.
The young defensive back also responded to Sanders on the field.
Cormani McClain had a breakout game against the Trojans.
Although McClain was not on the field as often as one might expect from one of the nation’s top recruits, his head coach must have reached him. He made the most of his snaps on Saturday. It was his best game of the season by a large margin.
McClain had a crucial tackle for loss on a blown field goal attempt during the first half and was on the right end of a heads-up interception during the third quarter. It was the first interception of his collegiate career, and Caleb Williams’ first thrown interception of the season — but it was called back for P.I. on a player that was not McClain. Bummer.
The best play of the day for McClain came early in the second half. He was lined up on Jerry Rice’s son, Brenden, near the goal line and played really nice coverage with a crucial pass breakup in the end zone.
Not long thereafter, as Colorado mounted a comeback, Travis Hunter Jr. (who is still recovering from a lacerated liver) came out onto the field to work specifically with McClain. He did not hold back on the young corner.
Whatever Hunter said — coupled with Sanders’ mid-week motivation — worked. McClain turned right around to lock down USC wide receiver Dorian Singer on the sideline.
Although McClain did not record a tackle, his presence in the secondary was crucial for the Buffs. His breakout game came at the perfect time and he played a big role in holding the Trojans to zero points during the fourth quarter.
Coach Prime called out McClain during the week. McClain answered in a big way.