The high school spring football season is in full swing as prep prospects get their last taste of regular competition ahead of the summer months. Florida football’s recruiting staff has also been busy keeping up with the young athletes in an effort to lure the cream of the crop into the Swamp.
One of head coach [autotag]Billy Napier[/autotag] and Co.’s biggest targets in the 2023 cycle is 5-star cornerback [autotag]Cormani McClain[/autotag] out of Lakeland (Florida) Lake Gibson, whose team is slated to face Apopka on Friday night. Cornerbacks coach [autotag]Corey Raymond[/autotag] is expected to be in attendance for the second of two spring visits for Gators coaches after co-defensive coordinator/safeties coach [autotag]Patrick Toney[/autotag] dropped in during the first week of the spring evaluation period.
McClain has yet to commit to one program but told GatorsOnline that Florida and Alabama currently hold the edge in his recruitment, giving the Gators a slight home-field advantage as an in-state school while also crediting coach Raymond for the effort he has put into the young athlete.
“Florida, it’s just home; it’s just home. You have to have love for Florida,” McClain said after the Orange and Blue Game.
“Our relationship, it’s close. Me and coach Raymond, we have a great relationship. I think he’s a great coach. He thinks I can come in and start as a freshman. He thinks I can come in, play three years and then out.”
On3’s Recruiting Prediction Machine has the Gators at an 80.3% chance of landing McClain, besting ‘Bama’s 15.9% odds of picking up the prospect. The 6-foot-1-inch, 165-pounder out of Polk County ranks No. 3 overall and No. 1 at his position nationally according to both the 247Sports Composite and On3 Consensus. He has also been reported to possess high-level wide receiver skills which could make him a dangerous two-way option in college if so desired.
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