South Carolina Football: Gamecock commit named top-10 national pledge of April

South Carolina football had a big-time April in the world of recruiting.

Shane Beamer and his staff landed 4-star wide receiver Brian Rowe, 4-star EDGE Anthony Addison, 4-star defensive lineman Caleb Williams, 3-star defensive back Damarcus Leach, 4-star defensive back Shamari Earls, and 4-star linebacker Rodney Colton, Jr. (class of 2026) from the high school ranks and transfer portal wide receivers Vandrevius Jacobs (Florida State Seminoles) and Dalevon Campbell (Nevada Wolfpack).

All of the new Gamecocks have been well-received in the recruiting industry, but one of them has gotten a little extra notoriety. 4-star Virginia cornerback Shamari Earls was named one of On3's top-10 commitments and the top cornerback pledge in the country from the month of April.

Earls' inclusion on On3's list makes sense as he is one of the top-115 prospects nationally according to On3, 247Sports, and ESPN. He currently peaks at #70 (On3) and is one of the highest-rated recruits in the talent-rich state of Virginia.

South Carolina football fans should be ecstatic that Earls is a future Gamecock. The 4-star prospect is a long and rangy athlete at the cornerback position, fulfilling the exact archetype defensive backs coach Torrian Gray is looking for in a shutdown cover man. At 6'2", he has an even better wingspan, and his speed and quickness pop out on film.

Earls has a good nose for the football when the ball is in the air, and he isn't afraid to come down and help out in run support, even in the open field. He has experience playing zone, as well, something that will come in handy as the Gamecocks mix up coverages from time to time.

With O'Donnell Fortune graduating after the season and an unresolved position battle at the other starting corner spot heading into the year, Earls will be a candidate for early playing time if things go well for him after joining the South Carolina football program.

You can watch some of his film here.