Deion Sanders flips 5-star Cormani McClain from Miami to Colorado: Where does he fit?

Cormani McClain, the top-ranked cornerback in the 2023 cycle in the 247Sports Composite and No. 12 overall recruit, flipped his commitment from Miami to Colorado on Thursday, according to multiple reports, and all indications are he’ll sign with the Buffaloes when the next signing period begins Feb. 1. Here’s what you need to know:

• It’s another huge recruiting win for Deion Sanders, who flipped No. 1 overall recruit in the 2022 cycle, Travis Hunter, from Florida State when he was the coach at Jackson State. Hunter is now at Colorado with Sanders along with his son, star quarterback Shedeur Sanders.
• McClain had been committed to Miami since October but delayed signing with the Hurricanes in December. Multiple Miami coaches went to visit with McClain on Friday, but he wasn’t there to greet them. He was on his way to Colorado for a secret official visit.
• By adding McClain, the Buffaloes jumped up 10 spots to No. 29 in the 247Sports Composite high school recruiting team rankings and up three spots to No. 19 in the overall talent acquisition standings when you factor in transfers.

Backstory

McClain, a Lakeland, Fla., native, had been pursued strongly by Miami, Alabama and Florida, and surprised many when he passed on the Gators and picked the Hurricanes in October. McClain cited his relationship with staffer DeMarcus Van Dyke, who was Miami’s cornerbacks coach in 2021, as one of his top reasons for choosing Miami. Alabama remained in strong pursuit of McClain until it was able to sign five-star cornerback Desmond Ricks (No. 23 overall) from Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy.

It’s been speculated McClain could still end up taking an official visit to Tuscaloosa before signing.

How does McClain fit in at Colorado?

The Buffaloes had one of the worst defenses in the country allowing 44.5 points per game and 7.2 yards per play against FBS opponents. So, there’s plenty of opportunity to step on the field right away in Boulder and contribute. Nikko Reed, a 13-game starter, is the most experienced cornerback still on the roster. Beyond Reed, McClain’s biggest competition for playing time will likely be Hunter and fellow Jackson State transfer Tayvion Beasley, who started two games last season as a true freshman.

In addition to bringing in those talents in the secondary, Sanders brought in HBCU All-American Cam’Ron Silmon from Jackson State and former Arkansas 14-game starter Myles Slusher at safety. — Navarro

What’s next for Miami?

Miami, which signed 25 recruits last month and had the No. 4-ranked recruiting class, dropped to No. 6 in the 247Sports Composite high school rankings with the loss of McClain from its class.

Coach Mario Cristobal is expected to pick up a cornerback or two in the transfer portal. The Hurricanes previously hosted former Iowa cornerback Terry Roberts, and it was expected that he was on campus when classes begin at Miami on Tuesday. In addition, Miami is pursuing former Georgia cornerback Jaheim Singletary, a Jacksonville (Fla.) native who entered the transfer portal a couple of days ago.

Miami also remains in pursuit of a standout receiver in the portal and hosted former USC starter Gary Bryant Jr. this past weekend. He started seven games in 2021 and had 51 catches for 630 yards and seven touchdowns and averaged 26 yards per kickoff return in his 15 games with the Trojans. — Navarro

(Photo: Manny Navarro / The Athletic)