Michigan cornerback Shamari Earls named three of the best wide receivers in the Big Ten as guys he wants to go up against.
Michigan sophomore cornerback Shamari Earls looks the part.
He's listed at 6-2, 195 pounds but he appears to be at least 6-3. He's got long arms, a good overall frame and plenty of speed and athleticism. That's why he's considered the "fourth starter" by head coach Kyle Whittingham and cornerbacks coach Jernaro Gilford.
Right now, Jyaire Hill, Smith Snowden and Zeke Berry are getting the majority of the reps, but Earls is right there pushing the veteran guys.
Earls has a track background, that consists of a state indoor long jump championship and sub-10.8 100m speed. Those skills allow him to do everything a cornerback needs to do at an extremely high level.
With his height and frame, he fits the classic blueprint for press-man outside cornerbacks. He can disrupt receivers' releases at the line of scrimmage with physical jamming. His high-level track speed shows up in pursuit. Even when beaten initially off the line, he possesses elite acceleration to catch up and play through the catch point.
He also drives hard on the football when facing the quarterback and uses his length to his advantage to break up passes or to try to force turnovers.
Throw in the fact that he's around and learning from guys like Hill, Snowden and Berry, and you have the makings of a future pro. Earls, a Virginia native, was once committed to South Carolina and Georgia. Now, the long corner is making waves in the Big Ten.
When you hear all of that, it's not a surprise that Earls is enjoying his time as a member of Michigan's secondary. Being in the Big Ten gives Earls a chance to take on some of the best wide receivers in the country. It's not a surprise that competitor like Earls is looking most forward to the toughest matchups.
"I wake up with a smile on my face," Earls said with a smile on his face. "I get to go against the best in the country, and really like I'm blessed. I'm playing in front of a bunch of fans on the big stage. Get to go against the best in the country. And just get better. Honestly, prove who's better."
He even threw out some names when asked about who he wants to see standing across from him.
"Jeremiah Smith, Evan Stewart, Nick Marsh. I think that's it. Yeah, that's it," Earls said when asked which receivers he most wanted to face. He had a small smile on his face, knowing that he identified three of the best pass catchers in the conference and in the entire country.
Earls might not be listed as a starter on the depth chart, but he's got starter skills. He'll have a chance to make some plays this weekend against UTEP, who does possess a unique offense. Luckily for Jay Hill and the other defensive coaches, Earls has a unique skill set.
