Cormani McClain answered Coach Prime's call against Southern Cal

Buffs cornerback lived up to the hype against USC on Saturday

We've waited for this moment to watch Cormani McClain make plays at Colorado. After being scrutinized by Deion Sanders over the past two weeks, the five-star cornerback stepped up in a major way in the Buffs secondary. 

McClain took what Sanders said seriously on Saturday. He was swarming around the ball and played inspired football. It was great to see the generational recruit live up to the hype for the Buffs. He was tested by USC's Heisman winner Caleb Williams and stood up tall with a touchdown saving pass break-up. McClain nearly has his first career interception, if it wasn't negated by a penalty. 

Sanders was passionate when he talked about McClain's play in his postgame press conference. It's clear he's very pleased with what his young talented defensive back did out on the field.

"We want him to be that dude," Sanders said. "We have an expectation of what they should be doing and accomplishing. I'm proud of him." 

CU's coaching staff working with McClain during the week and when he got his opportunity to enter the game, it wasn't taken lightly. The "corner-by-committee" scenario has worked while Travis Hunter recovers, but having McClain out there more often needs to happen. The Buffs needed him with Shilo Sanders out and he was a force. 

McClain showed every bit of why he's considered a shutdown corner. He had 58 tackles (3 for loss), 15 interceptions, 17 PDUs and three forced fumbles over the last two years at Lakeland. 

Expect to see more of McClain in the upcoming games against Arizona State and Stanford.