Deion Sanders’ Faith in Cormani McClain Primed to Bear Fruit as Former 5-Star CB is poised to have a Breakout Year

2023 was not a fruitful season for Cormani McCain despite entering Coach Prime’s Colorado Buffaloes as ESPN’s No. 14 overall recruit, he was warning the bench more than hitting the field. And this was what Deion Sanders had to say about the curious situation, “You would be a fool to put somebody out there and they’re unprepared. Can’t do it. Won’t do it. Can’t do it.” But the tides could be changing in 2024. 

As the Buffs began their rigorous training sessions to prepare for the 2024 season, Coach Prime could be renewing his faith in the 5-star prospect. However, the former Lakeland High School seems to have gotten himself in another trench recently. It remains a mystery what would happen to his future in Colorado if he didn’t work on himself. 

Cormani McClain could have a breakout year at Colorado

In a recent YouTube episode on Locked on Buffs, Kevin Borba explained why this season could be a breakout year for Cormani McClain. He said, “I think Cormani is poised for a breakout year because you bring in all these guys around him who are there to take a spot.” Coach Prime bagged valuable players at cornerback this recruiting season including former OSU CB DJ McKinney and Liberty Bell CB Preston Hodge who are both experienced and can start immediately. 

Borba added, “If Cormani is truly as good as we all think he could be and as good as he was rated, this will be the time or the thing that pushes him.” With experienced CBs entering Colorado, this offseason could make or break Cormani McClain’s reputation as a 5-star player as he needs to prove his worth. He should be groomed enough to start if two-way star Travis Hunter declares for the 2025 NFL Draft. But somehow, he’s off to a bad start in 2024.

Is bad luck following Cormani McClain to 2024?

It’s common knowledge that Cormani McClain didn’t play his best version in the field in 2023. But the starting month of 2024 saw him entering a car wreck on January 15, about a mile away from Folsom Field. According to sources, his car “slid into another vehicle when trying to brake for a red light.” But thankfully, the Buffs CB wasn’t a victim of any injuries.

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Coach Prime had high hopes for Cormani McClain when he recruited him for the 2023 season. However, the 20-year-old CB’s chilled demeanor towards his playing career is what’s holding him back. Although he just suffered an accident, he’s thankfully healthy. Perhaps this season will be a turning point in his stint in Boulder. 

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