Cormani McClain is missing from the Florida Gators’ depth chart! Now, this is sure to surprise many, especially since freshmen cornerbacks Grimsley Jameer and Teddy Foster made the cut. But don’t worry—this isn’t about the ‘bad boy’ attitude rumors that have been swirling around him. 

The former 5-star recruit joined the Gators in May, and soon after, gossip started about him missing practices and meetings. While many thought this would get him booted from the roster, it turns out an injury did the work for him.

On August 28th, Gators Illustrated reporter Cam Parker cleared the air. He wrote, “I’ve seen some tweets joking that Cormani McClain and Andy Jean are not on the #Gators two-deep. Both have been injured in camp. Not a surprise they aren’t listed. Carry on with your Wednesday evening.” Earlier this month, Parker reported seeing McClain doing individual drills during practice due to an eye injury. It’s unclear if that injury got worse or if he’s dealing with something new.

Meanwhile, wide receiver Andy Jean’s upper-body injury was confirmed by Coach Billy Napier, and it looks like he’ll be out for a while. Parker added in his thread, “Also, it’s the first depth chart of the year. No need to overreact right?” So, there’s hope we’ll see Cormani back in action in upcoming games, but he’s definitely out for the crucial clash against in-state rivals, the Miami Hurricanes.

Now, this game is do-or-die for both the Florida-based teams, given their recent mediocre performances. Adding a twist to the rivalry, Gators HC Billy Napier and Miami’s coach Mario Cristobal are old pals from their time coaching together at Alabama. Well, in this “friendly” rivalry, McClain’s fellow cornerbacks might have the chance to step up and shine.

Is Cormani McClain ready for the SEC debut?

If not Cormani McClain, then who’s stepping up? Well, Billy Napier has plenty of options in his cornerback room filled with talent. This season, CB Jason Marshall Jr. is expected to be the full-time starter again, just like last year. Devin Moore, who has been dealing with infected tonsils, still made it onto the depth chart. And there’s also Ja’Keem Jackson and Johnson Dijon to rely on. With all these names, it looks like Napier’s defense is in good hands.

Some even wondered how Cormani McClain would fit in, given his past performances. At Colorado, McClain started just four games, had limited playing time, and his performance was quite average. Plus, he’s been considered too skinny at just 165 pounds, which is risky for a defensive star. However, Napier did give some hope during SEC media days last month, saying McClain had “gained 10 pounds.” But doubts about his readiness remain. Even YouTuber ‘MattBeGreat’ has his concerns. He bluntly says, “He’s not SEC material… The SEC will eat Cormani McClain’s lunch like it’s nothing.” He admits McClain is “talented,” but not yet ready for the SEC.

Now, we can’t be sure if he’s improved just from practice. Only seeing him live on the field will answer that.