Deion Sanders bluntly explains why Cormani McClain is not playing

Deion Sanders bluntly explains why Cormani McClain is not playing

The Colorado Buffaloes have already exceeded expectations under first-year head coach Deion Sanders. The completely transformed roster has seen highly anticipated players like Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter impress on the national stage. Although, five-star freshman cornerback Cormani McClain has not been able to do the same.

Sanders provided a blunt update on McClain’s status Tuesday and explained what he needed to do to find the field.

“Study, prepare,” Sanders responded when asked about what he wants to see McClain do moving forward. “Study, prepare, be on time for meetings, show up to the darn meetings, understand what we are doing as a scheme, want to play this game, desire to play this game, desire to be the best in 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 time from the whole staff so I can see who has been preparing. That’s not just about Cormani (McClain), that about a multitude of them. If I don’t see that- you’d be a fool to put someone out there and their unprepared.”

McClain was Colorado’s prize jewel of its 2023 recruiting class. Coming out of high school, he was the No. 13 ranked player nationally and the top-ranked cornerback, according to the 247Sports Composite Rankings.

Sanders and Colorado convinced McClain to delay signing his national letter of intent before eventually signing with the Buffaloes.

In theory, McClain was in a great position to make an immediate impact as a freshman. Sanders is certainly more than willing to give young players a chance. For example, freshman running back Dylan Edwards has been the team’s leading rusher.

McClain was primed to see an increase in snaps after Hunter was sidelined with an injury. Although, that did not come to fruition. Instead, McClain did not enter the game against Oregon until garbage time.

The message is pretty simple from Sanders. If McClain wants to get onto the field, there are certain expectations that need to be met.

It is probably uncomfortable for McClain to be publically called out, but Sanders has always been honest and open. In Sanders’ time at Colorado, he has proven to be a great leader. The expectations are obvious and he holds his players accountable. McClain is not being treated differently than others just because he was a five-star recruit.

McClain appears to be in the dog house. Thankfully for him, if he wants to play, he knows exactly what he needs to do. It is up to him if he wants to put in the effort required to see the field.

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