Cormani McClain goes through his first practice at Colorado

Five-star top recruit starting from the bottom

Ernst Peters /The Ledger / USA TODAY NETWORK

A little less than six months after deciding to come to Colorado, Cormani McClain was out hustling on the field. The five-star recruit looked a bit rough at times, but this is his first time conditioning at high altitude.

McClain also left a hint that he'll take on the No. 1 for the Buffs next year. If so, the nation’s top defender from 2023's class is the latest to be awarded a number by Deion Sanders.

Eleven of McClain's teammates were previously given their own jerseys. He wore No. 7 while in high school at Lakeland, but is set to switch it up with Jackson State transfer safety Cam'Ron Silmon-Craig utilizing his former number. The "loneliest number" on the field was also made famous at Colorado by Eric Bieniemy and Ben Kelly.

👀 @CormaniMcClain2 pic.twitter.com/PWrhnUyv0e

— Barstool Colorado (@CUBarstool) July 6, 2023

McClain is touted as a generational talent with an NFL-ready drive. The defensive back originally committed to Miami but decided to flip on the Canes shortly after Prime's arrival in Boulder. It was reported that the entire Miami coaching staff went to McClain's high school on Early Signing Day in an effort to divert him away from Colorado. Alabama and Florida saw cracks in Miami's recruitment and tried to swoop in late. It was ultimately the relationship with Prime and the McClain family that brought him to Boulder.

The Buffs secondary is dangerous with McClain alongside fellow five-star Travis Hunter, who was reunited with Prime after coming from Jackson State. The top defensive recruits from their respective classes are set to square off against the top Pac-12 QB's, including last year's Heisman winner Caleb Williams.

McClain racked up 58 tackles (3 for loss), 15 interceptions, 17 PDUs, and three forced fumbles over the last two years.