Deion Sanders publicly called out first-year cornerback Cormani McClain.
Asked what he needed to see before giving the five-star recruit more playing time, the Colorado head coach replied “study and prepare” before the reporter could even finish the question.
“Study and prepare,” Sanders repeated. “Be on time for meetings, show up to the darn meetings.”
Sanders continued by demanding a desire to be the best. He then said he checks the time each player spends in the film room.
“You would be a fool to put somebody out there and they’re unprepared,” he added. “Can’t do it. Won’t do it. I’m old school.
While some fans would rather see the situation handled internally, many fans supported the tough love.
“Kids better know they only get so many chances before opportunities become less and less,” a fan wrote.
Kids better know they only get so many chances before opportunities become less and less https://t.co/ElhY27WDiV
— Freddy Cortez (@fcortez45) September 27, 2023
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“Good coach. Hold those stars accountable,” a fan said.
Good coach. Hold those stars accountable. https://t.co/bZvP4DAqqO
— WeeDingloid (@WeeDingloid) September 27, 2023
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“If I was in Coach Sanders’ position, I would’ve handled the situation in private,” another fan countered. “Not saying it to the media bringing further humiliation to the young man.”
If I was in Coach Sanders’ position, I would’ve handled the situation in private, not saying it to the media bringing further humiliation to the young man. https://t.co/PD1RHmZKwG
— 🇺🇸 Kenya Robinson 🐏 (@KenyaThePatriot) September 27, 2023
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“Deion is so awesome,” a fan declared. “Behind all the swag and flash is a coach with standards.”
Deion is so awesome. Behind all the swag and flash is a coach with standards.
This is why long, over the long term, Deion will be successful.
Nick Saban Alabama standards and Jimmy Johnson Miami swag. https://t.co/hhoNyfyfmu
— Randell “Memphis” Young (@DWZMemphis) September 27, 2023
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“Cormani is either going to get it or have to transfer, cause Prime isn’t playing with him,” a fan said.
Cormani is either going to get it or have to transfer..cause prime isn’t playing with him https://t.co/xxyqRhkJJ2
— Just Vibe. (@C0mplexSocieTY8) September 27, 2023
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McClain entered college as the top-ranked cornerback from the incoming class, according to 247Sports. He decommitted from Miami to join Colorado in January.
However, he’s yet to see the field much in his first season. McClain recorded two tackles late in Saturday’s 42-6 loss to Oregon.
It’ll be interesting to see if Sanders plays McClain when Colorado faces Caleb Williams and a prolific USC offense this Saturday afternoon.