Top 100 CB Shamari Earls flips from Georgia to Michigan: “I felt like it was a better opportunity"

Michigan has scored a massive win on the recruiting trail.

Top 100 Chester (Va.) Thomas Dale cornerback Shamari Earls flipped his commitment from Georgia to Michigan on Friday night.

“I felt like it was a better opportunity, especially for life after football,” Earls said. “I can set myself up for success. Also, a chance to play early.”

Earls originally committed to Georgia over Michigan in the summer. However, U-M head coach Sherrone Moore and secondary coach LaMar Morgan never gave up.

Both Moore and Morgan had frequent calls with Earls throughout the fall and did everything possible to win him over.

“We have a really close relationship,” Earls said. “It’s been like that since Day 1. They never stopped trying or communicating even after I committed to Georgia. They were always there.”

Earls’ decision comes less than a week after he made an unofficial visit to Michigan for the Wolverines’ victory over rival Michigan State.

It was there where Earls truly felt at home.

“After the most recent visit for the Michigan State game, I knew,” Earls said. “I was leaning towards them. I wanted to take another visit to confirm everything, and it definitely did. I enjoyed being around the people again and the fans. They played a big part. I want to be somewhere that wants me for me.”

At 6-foot-2, 205 pounds, Earls is ranked as the No. 4 cornerback and No. 23 overall prospect nationally, per On3. A borderline five-star, Earls is expected to come in and compete for a starting job right away.

Earls is excited about potentially following in the footsteps of star Michigan cornerback Will Johnson.

“Coach Moore and Coach Morgan have a lot of trust in me,” Earls said. “Their jobs are on the line, and they have 100 percent faith that I’ll come in and put the work in. It will be a big moment to fill Will’s shoes, but I can’t let it get to me. I’m always going to grind and bring back a national championship.”

Earls is set to graduate in December and enroll early at Michigan.

“It’s going to help a lot,” Earls said. “I get to go through bowl game practices and then ball out in spring ball. I feel like getting those extra lessons will help.”

With his decision out of the way, Earls is now fully focused on helping Michigan return to glory.

“I think the program is going the right way,” Earls said. “With the people we have and the people we’re bringing in, I definitely feel like we’ll be back in the playoffs and winning a national championship.”