Michigan flips nation's No. 4 CB Shamari Earls from Georgia

Chester (Va.) Thomas Dale On300 cornerback Shamari Earls has flipped his commitment from Georgia to Michigan, giving the Wolverines a huge boost on the recruiting trail.

The 6-foot-2, 205-pound Earls becomes pledge No. 18 for head coach Sherrone Moore and his staff in the 2025 cycle.

“This decision comes down to personal reasons and finding the best possible fit for me both academically and athletically,” Earls posted on Twitter. “I am beyond thrilled to commit to the University of Michigan to continue my athletic and academic career. I am excited for the future and to be part of Coach Sherrone Moore’s vision for sustained success and Coach Morgan’s vision for the secondary to be the most competitive and disciplined secondary in the country!

“Michigan is an extraordinary place and I am humbled to continue the great legacy of those who have come before.”

Tabbed by the On3 Industry Ranking as the nation’s No. 7 cornerback and No. 65 prospect overall, the four-star Earls was back in Ann Arbor this past weekend to watch the Maize and Blue beat Michigan State. His lead recruiter is future position coach LaMar Morgan.

Earls becomes one of the jewels of the Michigan class that ranked No. 14 nationally per the On3 Industry prior to his announcement. He joins a talented haul that also includes five-star offensive tackle Andrew Babalola and a really good group in the secondary that includes the likes of Ivan Taylor, Kainoa Winston and Jayden Sanders.

Michigan has no plans to slow down on the trail

Michigan aims to keep the momentum rolling after Earls.

Obviously five-star quarterback and On3’s No. 1 overall prospect Bryce Underwood is the most coveted player on the board but there are several others the Wolverines are firmly in the mix for.

On300 linebacker Nathaniel Owusu-Boateng is one Michigan is at or near the top of the list for. They continue to swing on four-star safety/receiver Jordan Young.

Flip targets include receiver Jamar Browder (NC State), four-star linebacker Bradley Gompers (Duke) and four-star defensive backs Elijah Dotson (Pittsburgh) and Alex Graham (Colorado).

Scouting Earls and what he brings to the Wolverines

On3 analysts say Earls “advanced size and plus athleticism reminds us of Jeff Okudah at the same stage.”

We are higher on Earls at On3 tabbing him as the country’s No. 4 cornerback and No. 23 prospect overall. 

“(Earls is) one of the most physically-gifted cornerback prospects in the 2025 cycle, who touts a high-end combination of size, athleticism and ball skills,” the On3 scouting report reads. Measured in at a shade under 6-foot-2, 205 pounds prior to his senior season. Has plus length, with arms that measure 32.75 inches. A two-way standout at the high school level, working as a wide receiver and cornerback. Uses his length and instincts to make plays in coverage. Does a nice job staying in-phase, especially on broken plays. Can use his strength and length to disrupt receivers within the route. Active and willing in run support. Came down with a few difficult interceptions as a junior. 

“Flashes his athleticism as a receiver, showing the ability to take the top off of defenses and pull away in the open field. Finished his junior season with 25 tackles and 2 interceptions to go with 720 receiving yards and 8 touchdowns. A top athlete in track and field, running a 10.80 second 100 meters as a junior. Also won a state title in indoor long jump with a 23-10.75 foot leap.

“Will need to continue honing his technical skill in coverage as a corner and should make strides once he fully focuses on the position.”