Deion Sanders was extremely honest about Cormani McClain during the week leading up to Saturday’s game against USC. The first-year head coach at Colorado is not one to mince his words, and his comments on the five-star freshman were no exception.
McClain, the top-ranked defensive back in the college football recruiting Class of 2023, was a top-20 player overall in his class. Miami had been recruiting the Lakeland, Florida-native for years, and the Hurricanes staf was all-but slated to receive his commitment, but Coach Prime swooped in at the last minute to flip him to the Buffaloes.
It was Sanders’ biggest win of his first recruiting class in Boulder. It was the second time in back-to-back years that he was able to flip the top-ranked defensive back out of the Sunshine State, having done the same with No. 1 overall recruit Travis Hunter Jr. at Jackson State the year prior.
Cormani McClain is going to be very good.
However, McClain played wide receiver for most of his youth and high school career before making the switch to the defensive side of the ball later in high school. He is still very raw from a technical standpoint. There is a lot of room for growth. Who better to teach him than a Pro Football Hall of Famer?
Despite McClain’s talent, the star freshman was not on the field often during the first month of the season. His playing time was limited, which was a surprise considering Colorado’s need at the position.
When asked why that was the case, Sanders offered a very blunt message. He challenged McClain to answer the bell and questioned his preparation.
McClain responded with a cryptic message on Instagram.
You’ll be suprised what happen behind close doors erthing ain’t just What it Seem…But Pushing thru politic everyday the only way Out!
— Cormani McClain via @7.moneyy/Instagram
Cormani McClain also responded to Deion Sanders in a big way against the Trojans.
McClain saw an increase in playing time on a depleted Buffaloes secondary against the eighth-ranked team in the country. Especially down the stretch as Colorado mounted a comeback during the second half.
He played like a man possessed. McClain had a huge day at corner and was a crucial piece to the defense through all four quarters.
Hunter Jr. even went out of his way to individually coach up the five-star freshman and did not hold back from the sideline. McClain responded with a tackle for loss, big pass breakup in the end zone, and lock down coverage on the sideline on a crucial third down play to keep the Buffs alive late.
Coach Prime was very hard on McClain during the week. He was equally as complimentary after the young defensive back stepped up and silenced the narrative that surrounding him all week.
Deion Sanders offered praise for McClain while speaking to the media after the loss. He also gave him his flowers in the locker room with the team.
Another guy, I’ve been on his butt and I’m not gonna lay off. I’m gonna keep my foot on his throat because I know we have him. Cormani, where y’at? […]
I still love you boy. I’m very proud of you.
— Deion Sanders
McClain was visibly appreciative of his head coach’s gesture.
There is still a long way to go before Colorado becomes a consistent contender. It has been a good first year for Coach Prime, but he and the Buffaloes believe that their future is brighter than the present.
McClain is going to be a big part of that future.