Kirby Smart's Georgia lands commitment from four-star CB Shamari Earls to the class of 2025

Four-star cornerback Shamari Earls flipped his commitment from South Carolina to Georgia on Sunday. The Gamecocks were the first Southeastern Conference school to offer the prospect last year, and he had committed to the program in April before the recent announcement.

Earls himself conveyed the news on X, writing:

"Respect my decision!"

The 6-foot-2, 200-pound CB from Chester, Virginia, posted a letter that read:

"I would like to thank Coach Gray, Coach Beamer and the entire South Carolina staff and fan base for allowing me the opportunity to be a part of their family, but at this time I need to make the best decision for me. With that being said I'd like to announce that I'll be de-committing from South Carolina and committing to the (University of Georgia!!) I'm a #Dawg."

Earls received offers from several top schools, including Alabama, Tennessee, Kentucky, Miami, Michigan, Penn State and USC, among others. He was the highest-rated commitment in South Carolina's 2025 recruitment class before flipping his decision. The Gamecocks now have to stay content with commitments from players like Damarcus Leach and Christopher Hatfield.

Shamari Earls is listed as the No. 68 prospect in the class of 2025, the No. 8 cornerback and the No. 2 overall prospect in Virginia, according to his 247Sports. On3 ranks him as the No. 69 prospect in the class, the No. 8 cornerback and the No. 3 overall prospect in the state.

Earls was a two-way player during his junior season at Thomas Dale, recording 29 catches for 715 yards and eight touchdowns while also amassing 172 yards and a touchdown, along with 25 tackles, three interceptions and four pass breakups.

During his sophomore season, he had 18 total tackles, four solo tackles, one interception and one pass breakup, along with five receptions for 146 receiving yards and two touchdowns.

Shamari Earls also excels on the track, recording personal bests of 23-10.75 in the long jump, 6.36 in the 55 meters, 10.80 in the 100 meters, 6-2 in the high jump and 17.82 in the 110 hurdles.

Kirby Smart celebrates Shamari Earls' commitment with an enthusiastic post

Flipping a recruit from within its conference can be labeled as a major achievement for any coach. Bulldogs coach Kirby Smart couldn't hide his excitement as he took to social media to celebrate the latest addition to his program.

"Go Dawgs!!" Smart posted on X.

The Bulldogs offered Shamari Earls back in January. Though they entered the recruitment race for Earls a bit later, they made him a priority and got him for spring practice. Co-defensive coordinator and safeties coach Travaris Robinson, along with defensive backs coach Donte Williams, led the charge in helping land the prospect.

With Earls now on board, Georgia has bolstered its 2025 recruiting class to a total of 18 commitments. It has also elevated the school's recruiting class to the No. 3 spot in the 247Sports Composite team rankings.

Alongside Shamari Earls, the Bulldogs 2025 class is headlined by promising players like offensive lineman Dontrell Glover, edge rusher Isaiah Gibson, wide receiver Tyler Williams, tight end Elyiss Williams, offensive tackle Mason Short, defensive tackle Stephon Shivers, running back Bo Walker and linebacker Zayden Walker, among others.