A few recruiting tidbits that I’m hearing on names in the news.
— The Cormani McClain situation is evolving and I think he will land at Colorado. He had an NIL deal in place with Miami, then changed the ask at the last minute and then the family wanted DeMarcus Vandyke hired as a full-time on-field coach. I’ve heard that the Miami collective matched the money ask but the coaching staff is set as far as on-field coaches.
Alabama is the second option but I’ve heard they are going to balk at this as it’s become just too much drama and too many red flags. Colorado has him on a visit this weekend with a scheduled commitment for Sunday, January 15 and they seem to be in the driver’s seat. However, the commitment won’t be the end of it all as he doesn’t sign until Feb. 1 anyhow. Unfortunately, he’s become, in my mind, a major transfer prospect no matter where he lands, especially far from home in Boulder. This was initially about relationships and NIL when he surprised everyone and chose Miami over Florida but now it appears to be all NIL.
— The Jaden Rashada situation has become a mess as well. Rashada originally committed to Miami with a good NIL offer but flipped to Florida when demands increased and the Gators matched. The $13 million number is dumb, so don’t believe it. I’ve heard something in the range of $2 million and not sure if that’s over a couple of years or his projected career but nothing I’ve heard amounts to anything close to $13 mill.
I was told a decision based on the increased ask but the Rashada group would be made Friday (by now) but here we stand. He has until midnight to enroll at Florida for the semester but this isn’t about school it’s about money. The backup plan? I’ve heard Washington might be involved, as could Arizona State, Rashada’s father’s school. Washington could bring NIL but Arizona State wouldn’t to this extent. There’s a chance Rashada waits until the summer to enroll somewhere. The last I heard the Gators collective was torn on how to handle this with many wanting to punt on the kid and others all in.
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— And finally, Maryland ATH Nyckoles Harbor’s recruitment has changed a bit I’m told. Why? The Michigan drama with Jim Harbaugh has opened the door for others. He’s always liked South Carolina but they were trailing Michigan. Maryland is a nice opportunity if he wants to stay home, but now Oregon has a big chance here. They have the last visit before Signing Day, they have an offensive plan he likes and they will wow him with facilities and Olympic track preparation. If Harbaugh stays I think he picks Michigan but now it’s much more wide-open.
