Rivals has released its final 2023 rankings with a lot of movement into the five-star category and into the Rivals250. The national recruiting analysts look at the signees and commitments to determine which defensive back prospect is the best fit for their respective teams.
CORMANI MCCLAIN TO COLORADO
“Cormani McClain and new Colorado head coach Deion Sanders can relate on multiple levels. They can share being the best at their position at a given time with McClain wanting to match Coach Prime’s stellar resume as the best in college and in the NFL. Whether wanted or not, the spotlight also follows the five-star 2023 prospect. On paper, McClain learning under Sanders is the perfect fit.” – Ryan Wright
“There is arguably no other Power Five team in the nation in need of a talent influx like that of Colorado, and McClain is an instant plug-and-play player who makes the Buffaloes better the second that he steps on campus. The Florida native has generational size and upside at the position and under the tutelage of Deion Sanders he should be able to maximize his lofty potential. With Travis Hunter on one side and McClain on the other, Colorado could have a shutdown secondary in year one of the Sanders era.” – Clint Cosgrove
*****
DESMOND RICKS TO ALABAMA
“There are a lot of really talented defensive backs in this class, but the way that Ricks fits in with what Alabama likes to do with its cornerbacks really stood out here. A tall, long cornerback with very good instincts and a competitive nature, Ricks should have no problem fitting into the scheme. There are still some parts of his game that need to be refined but there are a few places better at developing defensive backs than Alabama, and Ricks already comes in with the tools to make an impact.” – Adam Friedman
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AJ HARRIS TO GEORGIA
“A big part of Georgia’s success especially on defense has been because of talented and aggressive players who aren’t afraid to be physical and exert their will on others. That’s how Harris likes to play the cornerback spot and why he could be such a great addition to the Dawgs’ secondary.
“The four-star is highly skilled at playing the position, doesn’t get too handsy against receivers if it’s not necessary but when he can jam at the line it’s no problem, and he frustrates the offensive player off his route. There are a lot of other high-profile defensive backs in this class, but Harris’ abilities shouldn’t be forgotten just because he missed all-star season.” – Adam Gorney
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CALVIN SIMPSON-HUNT TO OHIO STATE
“When you think about Ohio State positional dominance, wide receiver, quarterback or maybe even offensive line may come to mind before defensive back, but the Buckeyes have been staking a claim for ‘DBU’ in recent years with seven first-round draft picks in the secondary since 2016. For the top defensive back signee in Ohio State’s 2023 class, Calvin Simpson-Hunt, being able to hone in on his lockdown corner ability in Columbus could help turn him into the next first-round pick. His wide frame and recovery ability perfectly fits what the Buckeyes have been able to develop in the past.” – Nick Harris
