Now this is some new rags to riches story. And who’s the protagonist of this narrative? It’s none other than Florida Gators CB Cormani McClain. Well, the name Cormani itself takes the Colorado Buffaloes fans on a bad trip. After all, the player gave Coach Prime a tough time in last year’s transfer portal. Sadly, even after transferring to Billy Napier’s program, he failed to earn the trust. But he had his biggest glow up now and the Gators fans can’t help but simp about the cornerback.
Well, the 2024 spring portal came with a lot of mud-slinging. Courtesy? McClain and his problem with Deion Sanders’ squad. The cornerback felt unappreciated in Boulder and went to hunt for a ‘real program’. His statement was, “I’m just ready to bring the old version of me out and change the narrative of everyone’s thinking on my name, be a part of a real and a great program that’s going to impact me at my best ability.” While losing McClain came as a blessing in disguise for the Buffs squad. Why wouldn’t it be? In 10 games, totaled 13 tackles and 6 solo tackles. However, Colorado might be regretting a little now. Napier’s CB is now turning heads with some amazing self-transformation.
The All Gators IG account could not help but boast about McClain posting his picture from the gym. Now what’s the glow-up? On a recent episode of Stadium and Gale, Nick de la Torre revealed that McClain has now joined the 23 mph speedsters’ club. The IG post revealed, “Gators’ strength coach Tyler Miles says CB Cormani McClain has put on 20 pounds this offseason and has hit a top speed of 23 mph.”
The ex-Buffs is listed at 6’ 1.5” and 182 pounds on the Gators’ 2025 spring roster. Looks like Florida’s Director of Strength & Conditioning Tyler Miles is really impressed with McClain’s growth. “Cormani has been phenomenal. And not just putting on weight. Like he has conducted himself extremely well. I’m extremely proud of Cormani… He’s put on 20 pounds…he ran 23 miles an hour. He never ran that fast last year. And he weighs 20 pounds more and is running a whole mile per hour faster.”
Cormani had a slow start in Napier’s fam and his breakout came pretty late during the Gators’ face-off against Kentucky. The CB recorded his first career interception, taking it all the way back for a touchdown. Now that McClain worked to gain some extra pounds, it will help him to handle larger wide receivers, and provide stronger tackles in run support. Now fans too are hopeful about McClain running the show.
Cormani McClain’s transformation has fans rooting for his comeback
Well, it did not take much time for McClain’s dream to have a happily ever after in the Gators fam to get crushed into pieces. As soon as he joined the Napier’s squad, he got tagged with the ‘locker room cancer’ reputation. Because people thought he was immature and a bad influence on his teammates. As Jake Schwanitz once claimed, “Everyone liked Cormani on the team. It’s just he didn’t put in the work.” But can we still stick to this accusation after the effort he has put into transforming himself? Definitely not. On that note, a fan commented, “Yessir big season loading.”
Maybe McClain landed in the hot seat because of his bad code of conduct. He came late for the meetings, missed out on training. But he has started to put in little efforts to build himself under Napier. While only playing a total of 111 snaps on the year, he showed flashes of his talent. A fan thus showered some praise on the CB and wrote, “love this guy.”
The Gators rounded off the 2024 season with an overall record of 8-5. And we have seen how their HC walked on tight ropes as his buyout figures went viral. While many CFB fans might have thought that it’s a down-the-rabbit-hole ride for the Gators, McClain might come off as a savior since he still has three full years of eligibility left heading into 2025. “We Are Not Losing!,” penned an excited fan.
Last season, in 18 snaps, McClain recorded a PFF grade of 84.6, adding his only pass breakup of the season. However, now that he has worked on his speed hitting the 23 mph mark does promise a brighter future. A Gators fan became McClain’s biggest fan, “I’m rooting hard for this guy!” Well, even in the 2024 season, Florida’s college football dreams sounded absurd. The last time they bagged the national title was in 2008 under Urban Meyer. But looking at Cormani McClain’s glow-up, a fan predicted, “Gators gonna win the natty. Just watch.” Cormani McClain is ready to turn up the heat — and leave Colorado sweating.
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