Over the course of the past week, Michigan football recruiting has heated up in a big way, and it’s not solely relegated to the attention given to the courtship of five-star and No. 1 talent Bryce Underwood.
Despite seemingly being out of his recruitment for months after he committed to Georgia, the Wolverines kept pushing and pushing, and that resulted in a visit to Ann Arbor this past weekend by 2025 Chester (Va.) Thomas Dale four-star cornerback Shamari Earls.
Earls started getting predictions from Michigan insiders that he would end up flipping, but Georgia insiders remained confident he would remain in Athens. However, it appears their tone has changed.
Following the lead of The Michigan Insider’s Sam Webb and national analyst Brian Dohn on the 247Sports network, but Dawgs247 insider Benjamin Wolk also predicted a flip from the Bulldogs to the Wolverines.
How Earls ranks according to the recruiting services:
| * | Ovr | Pos | St | |
| 247Sports Composite | 4 | 88 | 9 | 2 |
| On3 Industry Ranking | 4 | 65 | 7 | 2 |
| 247Sports | 4 | 67 | 9 | 1 |
| On3 | 4 | 23 | 4 | 1 |
| ESPN | 4 | 71 | 9 | 2 |
| Rivals | 3 | – | 45 | 10 |
And his scouting report from 247Sports’ Andrew Ivins:
Imposing perimeter corner with the ideal blend of size and speed. Has made an impact in all three phases of the game since he was a sophomore in Virginia’s highest classification and has experience working in a variety of different coverages. Creates release disruption from press and does his best to mirror opponents as their routes progress. Alert when forward-facing, and will play through hands to break up passes, but needs to improve overall awareness when his back is turned to the football. Can get across the field with his top gear and prevent touchdowns while in pursuit. Low-tackling style gets the job done, but will only add more value in run support if he can shed with more authority. Should be viewed as a potential multi-year starter at the Power Four level with legitimate NFL upside. Frame hasn’t been third-party verified, but appears to be over 6-foot. More notably, owns elite markers in both the 55-meter dash and the long jump. Likely will need a developmental year or two to adjust to the collegiate game and refine technique, but could be well worth the wait.
There’s increasing optimism that Earls could flip sooner than later. We’ll see if that happens as soon as some believe or if he’ll kick the can down the road.