When you make bold claims like, “I feel like I just don’t want to play for clicks” and “I actually want to be involved with a great leading program that’s going to develop players,” attention is bound to follow. And that’s exactly what’s happening with Cormani McClain. McClain left the Colorado Buffs for the Florida Gators, hoping for more playing time. Ironically, he barely saw the field last season. Blame Billy Napier’s call or McClain’s conduct; either way, things went downhill fast. However, when he finally secured a scholarship as the 85th player this year, it seemed he had officially earned his spot. And his recent actions reflect the shift: he’s done talking and is ready to prove himself where he belongs.

He’s made huge physical strides, now weighing 182 pounds and reaching a top speed of 23 miles per hour. Even his Strength and Conditioning Director, Tyler Miles, is raving about his progress. “Cormani has been phenomenal. And not just putting on weight, like, he has conducted himself extremely well. I’m extremely proud of Cormani McClain. ‘Yes, sirs,’ ‘How can I get better?’ You know, he’s put on 20 pounds. And, you know, people always think that skinny is fast. I don’t know how it got out there already, but yes, he ran 23 miles an hour. He never ran that fast last year,” Tyler Miles said. On top of that, Cormani McClain was phenomenal during Florida’s spring game, too, with two tackles and a pass breakup, showing he’s making big moves this offseason. But this all leads to the big question: Is he actually going to start this year?

While there’s no official confirmation, a recent move by Cormani is raising eyebrows. Two days back, Gators Network’s IG account posted a “what-if” scenario mentioning CBs Devin Moore and Cormani McClain as starters this year, and what turned heads is that McClain liked the post. If that’s not his subtle way of dropping hints, then what is? And let’s be real, Cormani McClain isn’t someone who should be kept waiting on the sidelines, right? Even his teammates know his worth….

“He works really hard, not just at his craft, but just to be the best person he can be every day. He has grown up a lot. I love to see it. He understands that if he does those things, it’s only going to lead to productivity on and off the field. The kid has grown up a lot. He is going to end up making a lot of plays come fall and do a lot of good things,” Gators DE Tyreak Sapp said.

But Cormani McClain isn’t just making big moves on the field.

McClain is clearly enthusiastic about his recent connection with Meadowbrook’s Education Foundation, posting, X: “Shoutout to Education Foundation for the chance to connect at Meadowbrook! We played, laughed, and encouraged teamwork—all in one afternoon. Join the impact.” It’s more than a casual mention; McClain’s genuine community involvement is a truly inspiring part of his comeback.

He’s already involved with Gainesville’s Made for More, supporting student-athletes academically and personally. But Meadowbrook feels like a significant new step. This renewed focus on charity suggests a deeper commitment to making education more accessible and enriching for underprivileged children. Impressive, right? Well, it sure is! But while Cormani McClain is making noticeable strides, Billy Napier is on the other side, juggling roster chaos with one hand tied behind his back.

Billy Napier is facing a tough roster situation

Gators cornerback Dijon Johnson was arrested in Tampa over the weekend, facing two felonies and two misdemeanors. He’s charged with firearm possession (a second-degree felony), and synthetic mari–ana possession (a third-degree felony). And the charges for mari–ana possession and resisting arrest without violence are both misdemeanors. Johnson has already pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Police stopped Johnson’s gray Dodge Challenger after he ran a red light. Officers noted “a strong odor of burned mar—ana” during the interaction and also described Johnson’s arrogant behavior when he was asked to exit the vehicle. He was eventually taken into custody.

That’s just the beginning of the misery. Officers searched the car and discovered mar—ana, 8 grams of synthetic mar—ana in a backpack, and a loaded Glock 19 with 17 rounds. Even though Johnson posted $8,500 bail and was released that night, court records show he’s pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Johnson’s lawyer, Tim Taylor, issued a public statement Wednesday. “We are in dialogue with the State Attorney’s Office regarding Dijon’s traffic stop last week,” Taylor stated. “At this time, no formal charges have been filed. Any potential charging decision will, of course, need to be consistent with Florida law. We are eager for all the pertinent facts to come to light.”

Coach Billy Napier also addressed the arrest in a prepared statement: “We are aware of the situation. We will continue to gather facts, cooperate with, and monitor the legal and administrative processes.” The team hasn’t announced any disciplinary action pending the ongoing legal proceedings. The arrest adds to Florida’s tumultuous offseason and raises questions about Johnson’s future.

The last time Johnson played was in Florida’s November 30th, 2024, game versus Florida State at Tallahassee’s Doak Campbell Stadium. In 2024, he played defensive back for the Gators, appearing in 13 games and recording 27 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, and 2 pass breakups. However, the recent charges might sideline him from the team this season, and if that’s the case, things might turn weird for Billy Napier’s team. And for Cormani McClain? The door just swung wide open to compete for that starting CB spot.