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The Miami Hurricanes believed they’d won a huge recruiting battle when they landed the commitment of five-star cornerback Cormani McClain. The DB ranked as the top defensive prospect, and he figured to make an immediate impact in Coral Gables.
They were wrong. At least for now.
On the first day of the Early Signing Period, the McClain family shocked the college football world with news that he’d be postponing his signing. Here’s what McClain’s mother tweeted out on Wednesday morning.
FALSE ALARM!!!! THERE WILL BE NO SIGNING FOR TODAY…. SORRY FOR THE INCONVENIENCE!!!
The decision is a swift change from the post she tweeted out just the day before, which showed a picture of her talented son accompanied by a caption that read, “SIGNING DAY TOMORROW FOR MONEY.”
Social media claims the choice to delay is directly linked to his contact with Colorado as Deion Sanders has reportedly made a strong push to land the corner. But college football insiders insist it’s not just Coach Prime getting into the race. Apparently two SEC powers are pushing hard to land his services, too.
Here’s what 24/7 contributor Gaby Urrutia had to say on the decision, as well as the outlook on Cormani McClain’s future.
“Cormani McClain’s mom told social media on Wednesday morning that her son would not sign his NLI. There are reports that Colorado and Deion Sanders are making a late push for the nation’s top defensive player. However, Miami is under the impression that Alabama and Florida are more involved. There is still confidence on Miami’s end that they will sign McClain.”
While Urrutia insists that the Hurricanes are in a good spot with McClain, those aren’t the three schools you want to be competing against.
Deion Sanders, maybe the best DB in NFL history, is looking to make a statement in Boulder. Florida represents an in-state rival that could keep him close to home. Alabama is Alabama.
College football fans were quick to react, posting their responses to the surprising news online.
Some trolled Miami, with one person saying, “The check bounced.” Others noted late pushes from other schools, particularly Colorado.
This fan wrote, “Miami fans get a taste of what FSU fans got.” Deion Sanders was able to flip top overall recruit Travis Hunter from the Seminoles on Signing Day last year.
The signing periods never come without dramatics. Whether it be Colorado, Alabama, Florida, or Miami, it will be interesting to see where Cormani McClain ends up when all is said and done.
Related: Deion Sanders sends message to the nation on Signing Day