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No. 1 cornerback Cormani McClain set to make another trip to Gainesville

79417-removebg-preview (1)by: Corey Bender08/19/22Corey_Bender
Cormani McClain
EJ Holland/On3

Although the list is still growing, Gators Online has already learned of a number of prospects who are expected in Gainesville on Sept. 3.

Highlighting that list for UF’s season opener is top-ranked cornerback and five-star prospect, Cormani McClain. The Lakeland (Fla.) standout is also the No. 3 prospect in the 2023 class. That is according to the On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

According to the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine, Alabama is trending with odds of 44 percent. On3 National Recruiting Director, Chad Simmons, previously submitted a pick for the Crimson Tide as well.

As for the Gators, they currently check in with odds of 33.3 percent; however, sources recently told GO that Florida has been more optimistic as of late. The SEC program is red hot on the recruiting trail right now and recently soared into the top 10 of the Consensus Football Team Recruiting Rankings.

The Gators are arguably the hottest program in the country

Since the beginning of last week, the Gators have reeled in commitments from five prospects, including four blue-chip targets in the class of 2023. Those latest additions are linebacker Jaden Robinson, who flipped from South Carolina, and defensive linemen Kelby Collins, Kamran James and Will Norman.

McClain is taking notice of UF’s recruiting efforts and now gearing up to visit for the fourth time this year.

“Coach C-Ray, me and him got a great relationship. I think it’s there,” McClain said of the Gators at UA Future 50 Media Day. “He produced a lot of great athletes. I look up to coach C-Ray as one of those guys that you know is going to get you to the league and the things you need to get there.

“He compared me to the most recent LSU DB, (Derek) Stingley.”

In addition to the Gators and Crimson Tide, McClain is heavily considering Georgia and Miami as well.

On3 compares McClain to recent top-five pick Sauce Gardner

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. — On3 Director of Scouting and Rankings Charles Power

Stay tuned to Gators Online.

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