The Colorado Buffaloes haven’t used the No. 1 CB recruit in the 2023 class too much. The No. 29 recruiting class was led by five-star prospect and No. 1 cornerback in the cycle Cormani McClain, who offered great potential to the Colorado defense.
Colorado head coach Deion Sanders provided a straightforward response when asked how top prospect Cormani McClain can get playing time.
Coach Prime kept it real when a reporter asked what exactly does 5 Star Freshman Cormani McClain need to do in order to get playing time 💯💯💯
🎥: @CUBuffsFootball pic.twitter.com/0dXPoJiODC
— Shannonnn sharpes Burner (PARODY Account) (@shannonsharpeee) September 26, 2023
Sanders said
“Study, prepare, and be on time for meetings. Show up to the darn meetings. Understand what we’re doing as a scheme. Want to play this game. Desire to play this game. Desire to be the best at this game — at practice, in the film room, and on your own free time. You do know that I check film time for each player upon the week. Thursday, I need film times from the whole staff so I can see who’s been preparing. And that’s just not about Cormani, it’s about a multitude of them. So if I don’t see that, you would be a fool to put somebody out there unprepared. Can’t do it. Won’t do it. I’m old school.”
Future of McLain and Colorado Buffaloes
McClain was anticipated to play a significant role in Colorado’s defense over the next few years. He originally intended to sign with the Miami Hurricanes, but he changed his mind and chose Colorado instead to be a member of Sanders’ first recruiting class for the Pac-12 team.
Through the first four games for the Buffaloes, the rookie has made two tackles in total. These two tackles were made on Saturday against Oregon, but the Duck won 42-6, thus they had little impact.
McClain is likely to get more playing time now that two-way sensation Travis Hunter is out with a lacerated liver he sustained during the win over Colorado State. Hunter can play cornerback and wide receiver, and when he wasn’t on the field against the Ducks, both the offensive and defensive groups struggled.
The USC Trojans offense and current Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams will be the next opponent. Colorado also has a good chance of losing this game. McClain and others may have a fantastic chance to play well and make a statement on the national scene.