On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine: UF is trending for No. 1 cornerback Cormani McClain
According to On3’s Recruiting Prediction Machine (RPM), there is a new school trending for the services of Cormani McClain, the No. 1 cornerback in the 2023 class.
The University of Florida has pushed past Alabama and now has a 50.4 percent chance at reeling in the five-star prospect. The Crimson Tide checks in at No. 2 with a 41.9 percent chance of winning out.
This latest shift comes after McClain returned to the Swamp for last week’s Orange and Blue Game. That was his second visit to Gainesville this year after setting foot on campus a handful of times in 2021 as well.
The On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine combines data and expert predictions on an AI platform to predict where prospects will wind up in college. It takes into account a wide array of factors, such as social media sentiment, recruiting insider insight, visits, and more.
“It was great hanging out and seeing the new view (of the program). It’s a great coaching staff; shoutout to the coaching staff. It was a great game for sure,” McClain told Gators Online last week.
“Florida, it’s just home; it’s just home. You have to have love for Florida.”
As expected, a boatload of UF staff members are linked to McClain’s recruitment; however, in terms of day-to-day communication, the majority of the family’s conversations run through Corey Raymond.
“Our relationship, it’s close. Me and coach Raymond, we have a great relationship. I think he’s a great coach,” McClain said. “He thinks I can come in and start as a freshman. He thinks I can come in, play three years and then out.”
Inching closer to the recruiting finish line
Last Thursday, the Polk County native also admitted that Florida and Alabama are the schools soaking up his attention the most. He made the trek up to Tuscaloosa back on March 5.
Although a date is not date, McClain is planning to pull himself off the market in June. He is expected to take his official visits around that time as well.
“Probably the atmosphere and seeing if I’m good around everyone. Also, the coaching staff and probably the scheme,” McClain said of the deciding factors.
Scouting Report on McClain
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
