WATCH: Five-Star Plus+ CB Cormani McClain drops runner with huge hit

On3 imageby:Keegan Pope09/27/22

bykeeganpope

Lakeland (Fla.) Five-Star Plus+ cornerback Cormani McClain is known for his skills in coverage. The nation’s No. 1 defensive back has the ability to lock down an entire side of the field at the high school level, and he’s one of the most dynamic playmakers in the country with the ball in his hands.

But McClain can hit, too. And he showed it on Monday night when Lakeland — because of the impending landfall of Hurricane Ian — played Lake Gibson (Fla.).

On the play, Lake Gibson’s running back cuts around a blocker, only to find McClain waiting for him with cold shoulder to the chest. After the runner hits the ground, the ball pops loose and McClain takes off with it toward the end zone, only to be tackled by an offensive player.

The game already came with large implications because the two are neighboring rival programs, but the stakes were even higher because of McClain. This past offseason, 15 players transferred out of Lake Gibson after a coaching change, with a number ending up with the rival Dreadnaughts. McClain was among them, creating no shortage of animosity between the two teams.

Lake Gibson also beat Lakeland twice last season, including in the Class 7A playoffs, so this game, which Lakeland won 47-14, was a little bit of payback as well.

Cormani McClain Recruiting Profile

The 6-foot-1, 160-pound McClain is the No. 2 overall prospect in the 2023 class, according to the On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He ranks as the nation’s top cornerback and also the No. 1 senior in the Sunshine State.

On3 Director of Scouting and Rankings Charles Power writes this about him as a recruit:

“Has the best combination of stature, athleticism and ball skills among cornerback prospects in the 2023 cycle. Measured over 6-foot-1 prior to his junior season and has posted some of the best testing numbers in a combine setting we’ve seen from prospects in his cycle. A twitchy, bouncy athlete with explosive movement patterns. Pairs that athleticism with high end skill on the field. Has proven to be a ballhawk defender with nine interceptions as a sophomore and five picks midway through his junior season.

… Uses his quickness to stay in-phase with receivers off the line and long speed to turn and run downfield. Highly instinctual and plays fast. Breaks on the ball quickly. Comfortable playing off and press coverage. Doubles as a receiver, which aids in his ball skills and coordination. Would be a four-star type talent at receiver if he chose. Has a thinner frame at 165 pounds and will need to continue adding bulk. Older for the class.”

McClain is currently uncommitted, with the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine (RPM) listing Alabama, Florida and Miami as the three programs in contention for his commitment.