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via Imago

via Imago

In the 2023 season, Cormani McClain didn’t see much action on the field despite entering Deion Sanders’ program as a five-star recruit out of Lakeland. While many people wondered why the talented DB wasn’t given more roles, Coach Prime simply said, “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.”

Deion Sanders also added, “[McClain]’s got to prepare. Study, prepare, be on time for meetings… desire to be the best in this game, at practice, in the film room, and in your own free time.” He only appeared in nine games with four starts and recorded 13 total tackles, two pass breakups, and one TFL. And after just one season with the Colorado Buffaloes, his decision to enter the transfer portal made headlines. 

Deion Sanders has been shielding Cormani McClain from having a bad reputation 

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Despite being a five-star prospect with exceptional talent, Cormani McClain still hasn’t found a team to land on after entering the transfer portal with other Colorado Buffs players. Now rumors have been on the surface that the former Buffs DB has been allegedly on marijuana, and IsmokeHiphop Live just confirmed the rumors on YouTube. And while he slams McClain’s poor choice, he lauds Deion Sanders for keeping the affair in silence, saying, “Sanders looked out for Cormani when it came to the weed. He didn’t make it go public. That’s why we’re saying allegedly that’s what makes Deion Sanders a better coach than most of the Mayo nation.”

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It’s evident that there have been challenges between Deion Sanders and Cormani McClain, stemming from a lack of discipline and effort. While Sanders expressed his dissatisfaction without divulging the specifics, some criticized his handling of McClain. However, with the truth now out, the narrative seems to have shifted. We can only hope that McClain, a talented player, can overcome his struggles with addiction and find a place in college football. 

Why is Cormani McClain still without a team?

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Despite a tumultuous departure from Colorado, Deion Sanders continues to support his former player, hoping that his next team will “hold him accountable and develop him as a young man.” He acknowledges McClain’s potential, saying, “He has a tremendous amount of talent, but he needs to want it. As of now, McClain is still without a team, but Sanders’ faith in his abilities is unwavering. 

Cormani McClain may have huge talent in him, but his off-field history and his previous high school and college are giving potential teams second thoughts. As 247Sports’ Matt Zenitz reported, “Teams being frank, open and candid have gotten mixed feedback on him. Even with the talent he has, it’s led a lot of teams I’ve talked to being reluctant to pursue him. He didn’t turn up at his early signing-in in high school. He reportedly ghosted Miami coaches with whom he was committed before flipping to Colorado. His lack of discipline in Colorado didn’t give him much credit. With the current situation, the future of this former 5-star recruit looks uncertain.