You thought this was about Bryce Underwood, right? Well, it’s not about Bryce Underwood.
But there is another elite prospect who is committed to an SEC school who is strongly considering Michigan football, and it turns out, he might actually make the flip.
The Wolverines were in strong contention to flip 2025 Chester (Va.) Thomas Dale four-star cornerback Shamari Earls from South Carolina over the summer, but Georgia came in hot and heavy and he ended up committing to play for Kirby Smart in Athens. However, Michigan has stayed persistent, and now Earls isn’t only slated to take an official visit to Ann Arbor (subscription required) but 247Sports ‘The Michigan Insider’ and WTKA host Sam Webb has put in a prediction that Earls will flip to the maize and blue.
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.
If Michigan can indeed flip Earls, that would be a shock to the system, given that these flips tend to go one way — the other way. And considering there’s smoke about the aforementioned Underwood, it appears that Michigan is potentially poised to close strong.