Second Time's the Charm: 2023 Five-Star McClain Transfers to UF

Despite losing out on 2023 five-star Cormani McClain during his initial recruitment, the Florida Gators have finally landed the in-state defensive back. After spending one season at Colorado, McClain entered the transfer portal and announced his commitment to Florida on Wednesday.

McClain took two visits to Gainesville in May, including an official visit which concluded just prior to his commitment. During his first visit at the beginning of the month, the Lakeland (Fla.) native reportedly spent extensive time with Billy Napier.

The former Colorado secondary member was considered a lean to Florida for most of his recruitment coming out of high school. However, momentum changed late in the process and he shocked much of the college football world by committing to Miami. Yet, McClain did not sign with the Hurricanes and instead changed his decision in favor of the Buffaloes following their hiring of Deion Sanders.

Despite getting McClain later than expected, the addition is still extremely valuable for the Gators. The 6-foot-2, 165-pounder appeared in nine games for Colorado during his freshman campaign, logging four starts. He made 13 tackles, six of which were unassisted, while adding one TFL and two pass breakups.

An important factor to note with the addition of McClain is exactly how he will be incorporated into the roster. Florida is currently in a tight spot numbers-wise, with 85 scholarship players already enrolled. As a result, McClain could initially join the program as a preferred walk-on, however as summer practice rolls on those numbers could shift.

McClain is the 14th transfer added by Florida this offseason. He joins former USC offensive lineman Jason Zandamela, former Penn defensive lineman Joey Slackman, former Alabama defensive back Jameer Grimsley, former South Carolina linebacker Grayson Howard, former Washington defensive back Asa Turner, former Tulane defensive back DJ Douglas, former Oregon defensive back Trikweze Bridges, former Wisconsin wide receiver Chimere Dike, former Arkansas offensive lineman Devon Manuel, former San Diego State offensive lineman Brandon Crenshaw-Dickson, former Air Force tight end Caleb Rillos, former Northern Illinois edge George Gumbs, and former Colorado State quarterback Clay Millen who have all joined the program this offseason.

The defensive back is the No. 21 ranked transfer portal prospect according to 247Sports, despite coming out of high school as the No. 14 overall prospect and No. 1 overall cornerback.