Cormani McClain, nation's No. 1 cornerback, commits to Miami over Alabama, Florida

In "The year of the quarterback," Lakeland High School (Florida) five-star cornerback Cormani McClain has emerged and (fittingly) broken up the position's stranglehold atop the national rankings.

Rated a consensus five-star prospect and the nation's No. 2 overall prospect, McClain sits just behind Texas-bound Arch Manning, the nephew of Peyton and ElI Manning, and ahead of USC pledge Malachi Nelson.

Entering Thursday's decision, McClain was the top uncommitted player in the country and it was widely believed he was headed to Florida.

But that changed when the 6-foot-2, 165-pound defensive back announced his commitment to Miami in a shocking turn of events.

With McClain in the fold, Miami's 2023 recruiting class jumps from No. 12 to No. 8 nationally, jumping Tennessee, Oregon, Clemson and Florida in the process. 

Here's what 247Sports had to say about McClain as a prospect (in part):

"A new-age cornerback prospect that has a chance to be a difference maker at football’s highest levels given his rare blend of size, length and speed. Started prep career off playing primarily wide receiver before being thrust into action on the defensive side of the ball. Excelled right away as a perimeter defender against top Sunshine State competition picking off nine passes as a sophomore and 10 more as a junior. Still very raw from a technical standpoint, but is athletic enough to carry and cover most vertical routes. Leggy transitions aren’t exactly ideal, but has a knack for putting himself in position to make a play at the catch point and can quickly close gaps with an elite burst. Has experience working in both man and off-coverage. Not one to shy away from contact and is a rather spirited as an open-field tackler, but must improve in the boxing ring if he’s going to settle in as a true bump-and-run corner on Saturdays."