The summer dead period might be quiet for on-the-field action, but the Georgia Bulldogs are still fighting to build for its future. Head coach Kirby Smart is working to flip two top 70 recruits, including the third-ranked cornerback in the 2025 class. What will it take for Georgia to boost their incoming class haul?

Can Georgia Flip Top 2025 Recruits?

Let's start with where Georgia sits with current South Carolina commit and No. 8 cornerback Shamari Earls before hitting a key blocker.

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Shamari Earls, CB

A significant change has occurred in the visitation schedule for the No. 8-ranked cornerback. The Chester, Virginia, standout from Thomas Dale High School who had previously committed to South Carolina has canceled his plans to visit Texas A&M and South Carolina in the upcoming weeks.

Now, he plans to visit a prominent Big Ten school and another school in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) instead.

"I'll be visiting Michigan this weekend followed by Georgia the next," Earls shared with 247Sports.

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This plan alteration is considered a major development, and insiders suggest it's a negative sign for South Carolina's efforts to retain him. Despite this, Earls maintains his commitment to South Carolina, suggesting it's premature to dismiss the Gamecocks altogether, though they have some catching up to do.

Earls' decision to bypass Texas A&M for an official visit to Michigan was influenced by Michigan's esteemed program and the immediate playing time opportunities. Earls is drawn to the prospect of playing for the Wolverines and intends to investigate this possibility further.

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Additionally, Earls has planned an overnight visit to Virginia on June 20, although Virginia faces a significant challenge in winning him over. His visit there is strategically timed with Thomas Dale High School's camping trip in Virginia.

Georgia is set to host Earls from June 21-23. His physical attributes match the Bulldogs' preferred criteria for defensive backs, regarding both his height and speed. Georgia's track record of development and their consistent competition for national championships are factors that Earls is seriously considering.

South Carolina's concerns go beyond just Earls' visit to Georgia during the last open period in June, missing out on their own opportunity to host him beforehand. His visit to South Carolina was originally scheduled for May 31-June 2, but it was postponed, hoping to secure his visit before the summer dead period commenced.

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Jaylen Gilchrist, IOL

The offensive lineman from Salem in Virginia Beach, Virginia, had shown interest in Penn State and Virginia for some time—Virginia was anticipating or hoping for an official visit recently, but it didn't materialize. Now, the main schools in contention are South Carolina, Georgia, and Maryland.

This upcoming weekend's official visit to Georgia presents an opportunity for the Bulldogs to significantly sway the 6-foot-4, 290-pound Gilchrist, who ranks as the third-best interior offensive lineman in his class.

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From discussions with insiders, it's clear that South Carolina has established the strongest connections with both Gilchrist and his family, which is why predictions currently favor the Gamecocks after his official visit from May 31 to June 2. That said, his recruitment process is far from concluded.

The upcoming visit to Georgia could change the dynamics of his decision-making process. Gilchrist could be influenced by the chance to meet with Stacy Searels, the offensive line coach, and learn about the program's approach to developing lineman talent at one of the SEC's flagship schools.

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After his visit to Georgia, he's scheduled to visit Maryland the following weekend, after which attention will shift towards his decision-making process. However, the developments from his time with the Bulldogs this weekend are certainly something to watch.