Of one thing Canes fans can be assured: Mario Cristobal can recruit.
On Thursday night, the recruiting world on social media went nuts, as five-star Lakeland cornerback Cormani McClain, 247Sports’ No. 1 corner, chose Cristobal’s Miami Hurricanes instead of Alabama and the Florida Gators.
McClain is considered the second best player in the nation, regardless of position, according to the 247 composite rankings.
According to the 247Sports “Crystal Ball” predictions, the Gators were the unanimous favorite to get McClain. Oops.
McClain, 6-2 and 165 pounds, is the 18th commit for the Hurricanes Class of 2023. He plays for the South Florida Express seven-on-seven team and officially visited Miami in June, just before the dead period. His commitment jumped the Hurricanes to No. 8 in the 247 and On3.com team recruiting rankings — one spot above Florida. Alabama is still No. 1.
247Sports lists UM defensive analyst and former Canes star cornerback DeMarcus Van Dyke and current secondary coach Jahmile Addae as McClain’s main recruiters — and Cristobal, of course.
UM’s 2023 class also includes 6-5, 327-pound Francis Mauigoa, the nation’s No. 1 offensive tackle.
The Hurricanes (3-4, 1-2 Atlantic Coast Conference) leave for Charlottesville, Virginia on Friday to face the Cavaliers at 12:30 p.m. Saturday. Coach Cristobal should be smiling the entire way.
