Malik McClain decommits from Florida State

Malik McClain is a 6’4 195 pound wide receiver who attends IMG Academy in Bradenton, FL.

The Class of 2021 prospect has a 91 rating (4-star) from the 247 Sports Composite List and committed to Florida State in August.

Monday night, he backed off that commitment with a note on Twitter:

Coach AB broke down McClain’s game after the commitment:

McClain should factor in as an X-type receiver for the Seminoles. McClain, a big bodied athlete, fits the mold of receiver that Norvell and Dillingham like out wide, so should line up there and on the line of scrimmage.

Time and again McClain gets a defensive back on his hip and pulls away for a big gain. At 6’4, McClain has long legs and is a long strider which creates deceptive long speed. Not only does he create deception down the field but he gets on the defensive backs toes quickly which gives him a two way go to create separation (post or go).

McClain is 6’4 and can elevate to get the ball at its highest point. I believe the kids these days refer to this as “mossing” somebody. This type of range in the red zone is useful when windows get smaller. This also takes body control and high level hand/eye coordination. Taller WRs can be clumsy but McClain does not show that on tape.

It is one thing to run a go route and run by defenders but the true test of a WR is when they are running crossing routes or option routes. McClain shows the ability to throttle down against zone coverage and find open windows. This is encouraging that he’s not a one trick pony and can be active in other parts of the passing game. Getting open is an art form and McClain keeps his head up and feels his way through his routes to find voids.

Watching McClain I’m reminded of a former Seminole WR from the Fisher era. McClain reminds me so much of Rodney Smith, a tall lanky WR who could get down the field and separate.

It’s been a roller coaster ride recently for Florida State on the recruiting trail recently, losing 4-star quarterback commit Luke Altmyer last week, before adding blue-chip edge defender Patrick Payton earlier today.