For a second straight recruiting cycle, Deion Sanders landed the No. 1 linebacker position at 247Sports. In 2022, it was Travis Hunter. In 2023, it is a five-star Cormani McClain. At a private ceremony Thursday in Lakeland, McClain told 247Sports player Carl Reed he’s committed to Colorado State.
“I play DB and Coach Prime is the best player,” McLean told 247Sports. “I want to be in the same shoes, same tackle, golden jacket, everything.” “Get coached by the best DB. Why not?”
McLean was committed to Miami but did not sign during the early signing period, Turn off smoke alarms. As recently as Friday, Miami was still trying to shut down McClain, sending several employees to Lakeland (Fla.) High School, but McClain wasn’t in school and was already on his way to Colorado.
The 6-foot-2, 165-pound McClain also heavily considered Alabama and Florida during his run and is a No. 9 overall prospect. McClain became the 19th high school to commit to Colorado State in the 2023 tournament. With him in the fold, the Buffalo recruiting class rose from No. 44 to No. 29 in the 247Sports Composite standings. When you include transfers, Colorado’s total for 2023 goes from No. 22 nationally to No. 19. McLean would be the best high school prospect with Colorado since 2008, when fourth-ranked Darrell Scott selected the Buffaloes.
Sanders pulled off the biggest recruiting shock ever during the 2022 early-season signing period when 247Sports ranked #1, Travis HunterAnd He backed off a long-running verbal touchdown to Florida State in favor of Jackson State. Hunter helped Sanders and the Tigers win the SWAC Championship in the fall and thereafter He followed him to Boulder as a 247Sports No. 1 transfer gate prospect.
We are no longer surprised by Sanders’ prowess on the road. When McClain opted not to sign with Miami during the three-day early signing period that began on December 21, 247 sports firsts had the Buffaloes in touch. Sanders and his staff have been doing everything they can for McClain ever since, and now they’re making his pledge.
McClain had been committed to Miami since October when he surprisingly announced the Hurricanes over the Gators. It was then unexpected when he did not put pen to paper during his early signing period. This is a hire that has had its fair share of intrigue including BYU making the top five for defensive backs.
Read: The 20 Greatest Moments From McClain’s Recruiting Rollercoaster
It’s easy to see why McClain’s been wanted for so long. He emerged as a national recruit when he caught nine passes as a sophomore. McClain had 10 more interceptions as a junior and two more as a senior at Lakeland (Florida) High. He capped off his prep career by playing in the Under Armor All-American Game. 247 Athletic Director of Scouting Andrew Ivins Compares McClain’s Game to Pro Bowl Defensive Linebacker and NFL Interception Leader This Year Tariq Woolen.
“A freshman cornerback with the chance to be a difference-maker at the highest levels of football due to his rare combination of size, height and speed. He began his prep career playing primarily wide receiver before being pushed into working on the defensive side of the ball. He immediately excelled as a perimeter defender Against senior Sunshine State competition where he caught nine assists as a sophomore and another 10 as a junior.Still very technically raw, but athletic enough to carry and cover most verticals.Leggy’s transitions aren’t quite perfect, but they have A knack for putting himself in position to play at the catching point and can fill gaps quickly with an elite blast Has experience operating both in man and out of coverage Nobody shy away from contact and is fairly lively as an open tackler, but should improve in the ring If he’s going to settle down as a true running corner on Saturdays. Tested from the charts as an underclassman posted a 4.5 in the 40-yard dash to go along with a 128″ wide jump and 4.3 in the short shuttle. He’ll eventually need to add mass to a skinny frame or else She’ll keep improving moves/technique once she enrolls in the school of her choice, but he has one of the highest ceilings in the entire semester of 2023 due to how he moves – and caps – someone who pushes 6ft2. You must learn how to withhold mistakes and find some inner confidence once they happen Adversity, but he has the physical build-up of a potential impact player for a College Football Playoff contender and a possible early-round NFL draft pick if he can continue to advance. You may experience some initial growing pains, but the quirky traits are worth saying in the long run.”
Colorado hasn’t produced a first-round selection from the NFL Draft since 2011, when Nate Solder and Jimmy Smith both walked off the plate. Within a month, Sanders now has two talents on campus who rank as his eventual first-day picks at McLean and Hunter.
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