Memphis’ new 25-million-dollar NIL deal with FedEx may pay dividends as soon as this offseason.
The Tigers pulled blue-chip QB prospect Antwann Hill in on a visit April 13-14 who would be the program’s highest-ranked recruit in the recruiting site era. Now, the Tigers are mentioned in the recruitment of the former number-one cornerback prospect in the nation, Cormani McClain. (Per Pete Nakos)
Another fun note; ‘The Tigers are prepared to let him play cornerback and receiver.”
Why McClain Hit The Portal
McClain spent his freshman year at Colorado under head coach Deion Sanders. It seems there is no love lost on McClain’s side as the apparent reason for him leaving. ” I feel like I just don’t want to play for clicks,” he said. “I actually want to be involved with a great leading program that’s going to develop players.” Coach Sanders accredited McClain’s lack of playing time to his lack of care for football. (Per Adam Munsterteiger)
Down the stretch, McClain found his way onto the field. My guess? His raw talent is too undeniable not to play. He finished the year with 277 snaps played, 13 total tackles, and 2 passes defended.
McClain is no stranger to drama off the field as his high school coach had this to say; (Per Brandon Marcello) “I don’t want to say I was necessarily surprised,” said Keith Barefield, McClain’s high school coach in 2020 and 2021. “That was a lot of work that I had to do getting him to start doing the right thing. … He’s a kid that grew up and always got away with things because of how good an athlete he was. Some things we did were that first step of taking steps towards it, and kinda warning him about it. Florida kids are going to stretch your limit. They’re always gonna fall to the floor of your standards. Whatever that floor is, they’re gonna fall to it. That’s why I liked Deion for Cormani because I knew Deion wouldn’t kiss his butt.”
It’s not up to me to decide who is right in that dispute, but it seems Memphis would be a great place to “not play for clicks“.
McClain’s Scouting Report
Now that we fully understand the concern with McClain, let’s take a look at what good things he can potentially bring to Memphis.
Frame & Athleticism: Listed at a wiry 6 foot 2 and 165 pounds, McClain has a frame that he can grow into. His long arms consistently give him opportunities to make plays on the ball. For a corner as long as he is, McClain has a rare burst and acceleration. Andrew Ivins compared him to Pro Bowl cornerback Tariq Woolen because of his combo of length and athleticism.
Mirroring & Ball Skills: As a high school receiver, McClain has incredible ball skills totaling 21 interceptions in his three-year varsity career. Additionally, he has an innate understanding of route combos, giving him the ability to mirror receivers and almost run the route for them.
Physicality & Tackling: Despite a wiry frame, McClain’s twitch in small spaces gives him the ability to deliver huge hits. He brings that same physicality in press coverage and at the top of route stems, often throwing receivers off their route paths creating miscommunication between quarterback and pass catcher.
Although there are undeniable character concerns, the Tigers need talent in the secondary. McClain provides just that as he is a legitimate NFL prospect. He has a chance to become Memphis’ highest-drafted defender since Dontari Poe.
