4-3! Head coach Billy Napier has seen a lot of ups and downs this season. However, they are trying to get back on track. After losing to Tennessee, they bounced back on October 19th and registered their 48-20 victory against Kentucky. Five-star cornerback Cormani McClain surprises everyone with his bold move. Did you expect that? A few months ago, he was in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons, but the table has turned now.

As soon as he joined the Gators, rumors about his off-season dismissal spread like wildfire, fueled by talk of behavioral issues. Coach Billy Napier even left him off the depth chart for the first few weeks. During that time, Cormani posted some cryptic messages hinting at his frustration over the situation. But once the season kicked off, he finally got his moment to shine. He made his debut against Kentucky, coming through with a clutch pick-six in the fourth quarter to help secure the team’s 48-20 win, proving all the hard work paid off. Head coach Billy Napier has put the past tensions between him and McClain to rest as the player seeks to establish himself in a new environment. Now, Gators insider Shelton Walker shed light on the evolving locker room dynamics. 

After cornerback Jason Marshall faced injury, McClain took the opportunity and shined. In the latest episode of Hightop Sports Gators, Walker highlights McClain’s impressive pedigree as a five-star athlete, drawing comparisons to Marshall, who also came into the program with high expectations. “We won’t know about Jason Marshall next week, probably when the injury report has to come out. By the looks of it, it looks pretty severe that it could be long-term. So get used to the name Cormani McClain and for people like, what is he going to bring to the table? Everyone knows he’s a five-star group. He added, “Jason Marshall was a five-star recruit. I don’t believe Jason’s first three years were near what this year has been. This is what the Jason Marshall they went out and recruited. Cormani McClain has that potential to be what Jason Marshall has been now because he’s a five-star guy.” McClain took the 25-yard interception by stepping back into the final three yards at the end zone. As he made the move, the entire defense did not hold back and celebrated their victory.

While the coaching staff recognizes his ability to perform at a high level, McClain’s role is very important as he aims to fulfill the promise that accompanies his recruitment. Walker added, “Just I don’t know how the development has been, but look at the rest of the cornerback. So I’d imagine that it was; it is up and coming. Look at the news that we heard earlier in the year but he lives in practice—things like that making guys run. Really, the team was absolutely in love with him after that and even Napier here allowed the team to go celebrate and took the penalty of, like, go ahead.”

Well, Cormani’s still young, but his team clearly likes him for who he is. Looks like the team really rallied around him, even after his rough start. Moving ahead, let’s hear head coach Napier’s comment on McClain’s recent performance.

Billy Napier on Cormani McClain’s performance against Kentucky

We all know about the rumors that began to circulate about Billy Napier’s dissatisfaction with Cormani McClain’s behavior. However, McClain made sure he turned his haters into fans with his recent performance. No one expected impressive gameplay from him; he stood up when the team required him the most. His actions on the field have shifted perceptions and highlighted his readiness to contribute to the Gators’ defense.

When the rumors about him missing from the team’s depth chart circulated, Billy cleared the air and once again he did not hold back and acknowledged McClain’s performance. “I think, ultimately, he’s matured to clean himself up a little bit, and he’s a rookie. So, yeah, I think you got to continue to do what you’re supposed to do. Good things will happen.” He also emphasized and said that there is room for improvement. “So the guy, he’s got a long way to go. Let’s don’t put the crown on the guy’s head right now. But he stepped up. Guy got injured and he was able to go in there and do his job in a critical moment. He’s got great instinct. I think there is more room for growth. That’s what I would say.”

For now, McClain and Napier are enjoying the bye week. We are sure they will train hard and come back stronger. Coming Saturday, they will face the Georgia Bulldogs, which is a big challenge. Are you excited to see how McClain will perform against one of the strongest team opponents?