Former Colorado DB Cormani McClain Still With Florida Football Team, But Needs To Grow Up Fast

DALLAS - No, Cormani McClain has not been dismissed from the Florida football program just a short time after arriving, Billy Napier confirmed on Wednesday. 

We all know how the internet can spark some of the craziest rumors and stories without much research from the author, or just going off a hunch, which is what social media has turned into for some. We saw this transpire on Wednesday when one account on X/Twitter reported that Cormani McClain had been kicked off the Gators' football team. 

A lot of what has been discussed around McClain since he arrived in Gainesville is true, with a lack of self-accountability hurting the new Gator. After entering the transfer portal, which was a parting of ways from the Colorado program under Deion Sanders, Cormani decided to enroll at Florida as a preferred walk-on. 

Don't draw too much from that, him being a walk-on had more to do with roster numbers than him getting a full-ride scholarship, which NIL is helping take care of. But it's not a secret that McClain has needed to mature, and grow up recently, especially coming off his stay at Colorado. 

Florida head coach Billy Napier speaks with the media about the lawsuit filed against him by Georgia QB Jaden Rashada during SEC Spring Meetings in June. Via: Trey Wallace

So, when one account posted on social media Tuesday that McClain had been kicked off the team, some fans bought into the idea. But, that was quickly dismissed by a Gators staff member, along with multiple sources saying the report was not true. 

On Wednesday afternoon, Florida head coach Billy Napier discussed the former No.1 cornerback in the 2023 class, and his situation with the Gators football team. 

"I think a lot of this gets blown out of proportion. He's a young player. Obviously, we're well aware of his history. He's a local kid from Lakeland and he's got relationships with players on our team. We run a tight ship," Billy Napier said on Wednesday. "There's discipline, there's routine, there's accountability. It's hard these days. You're in the minority if you show up in June, much less the middle of June because you're a couple weeks later. The guy's had a great week so far this week. He's gained ten pounds and i think he's learning expectations, he's learning the culture."

Colorado DB Cormani McClain is on the Florida Gators roster and working out as a preferred walk-on. Via: Colorado Athletics

The problem with this whole situation is how his time at Colorado ended, appearing in ten games and having only 13 tackles, and the recruiting process once he entered the transfer portal, which unfortunately rubbed some people the wrong way. 

As for what's next for Cormani McClain at Florida, it comes down to trying to fit in with the current football team, which is still a challenge, as Billy Napier pointed out about summer workouts. 

"It should be challenging for a guy who showed up in the middle of June who's a young player with minimal experience. He's doing just fine and he's going to be ok."

Hopefully McClain can get back on track in Gainesville. But if not, he'll be looking for his third different school in as many years.