Colorado cornerback Cormani McClain may not be all in on the hype surrounding coach Deion Sanders. Quite the opposite, actually.
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We know this not just because of the fact McClain entered the transfer portal, but because of his comments during a Q&A on YouTube.
"Some people just gotta take a step back from things sometimes, certain people, you know," McClain said. "I feel like I just don't want to play for clicks. I actually want to be involved with a great leading program that's going to develop players."
McClain, 20, is a former five-star recruit.
"I'm just ready to bring the old version of me out and change the narrative of everyone's thinking on my name [and] be a part of a real and a great program that's going to impact me at my best ability," he said. "[I'm] ready to get to a new place and get to work."
McClain didn't name Sanders or mention why he's decided to transfer. But we can all read between the lines here.
Sanders' celebrity status undoubtedly helped put Boulder back on the map, benefiting the university in terms of admissions and financial support. And McClain seems to be making quite an impact on the field, especially for a freshman. Starting games at that level so early in his college career is impressive.
Per the New York Post:
"McClain recorded 13 tackles and two passes defended in nine games in his freshman year at Colorado — and started the final three games of the 2023 campaign.
"The skilled defensive back has received interest from LSU, Oklahoma, Texas, Auburn, Texas A&M, USC, UCF, USF, Georgia, UCLA and Oregon, according to On3."
As for where he may end up next, McClain delivered a strong message to other NCAA programs.
"Just know whoever you are, you're getting a dog that's ready to work and that's a simple fact," he said.
Cormani McClain tells @on3sports that he’s heard from these 1️⃣1️⃣ Schools since entering the Transfer Portal
Where Should He Go?👀https://t.co/xSqXS0NCGh pic.twitter.com/1Q7sywmMyP
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) April 20, 2024
