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The Florida football team picked up a massive win over rival Kentucky on Saturday to improve to 4-3 on the year. Near the end of that victory, the Gators got a major contribution from a five-star transfer.
Cormani McClain intercepted a pass from Cutter Boley and scampered 29 yards for a touchdown. The entire team met him in the endzone for a celebration.
CORMANI MCCLAIN PICK 6 pic.twitter.com/Cu3Wr05rDo
— Stadium and Gale: A Florida Gators Podcast (@StadiumAndGale) October 20, 2024
The Gators landed an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty for the celebration. Head coach Billy Napier didn’t care.
In fact, he encouraged it!
McClain’s teammate, Devin Moore, had this to say after the game:
“With Cormani McClain’s pick, when the whole sideline leaves and goes and gets into it with him in the endzone, that’s love and that’s fun, too. Coach Napier took the penalty. He said when we make a play like that and celebrate too hard, he’s going to take that.”
It was a full-circle moment for McClain, who’s college journey has been anything but typical.
After initially committing to Miami as a high school prospect, he flipped to sign with Deion Sanders and Colorado. Unfortunately, playing time was inconsistent, as was his on-field production.
He opted to transfer this offseason, though he wouldn’t leave quietly.
Attitude concerns kept many from recruiting him in the transfer portal, leading to a walk-on opportunity with the Gators.
He finally made his debut with the Florida football team on Saturday, and he didn’t disappoint!
The Gators are hoping to see the success can continue with McClain potentially blossoming into key contributor in the secondary. We’ll see if his role grows over the next few contests.
He certainly got off to a good start!