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Decision Primer: Four-star DB target Andre Clarke ready to make call

ECCrzGbXkAEmHxxby:EJ Holland•6 hours ago•

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Recruiting Q&A - 2025-02-06T215159.448
EJ Holland/On3

Andre Clarke is ready to make his decision.

The four-star defensive back out of Richmond (Va.) Hermitage will announce his commitment today at 2:00 p.m. ET on his social media channels.

Clarke, who is ranked as the No. 16 safety and No. 185 overall recruit nationally, per the On3 Industry Ranking, is considering Michigan, Kentucky, SMU and Syracuse.

Here is a closer look at where things stand.

Why It Will Be Michigan

Clarke is listed as a safety, but Michigan has done a great job of recruiting him as a corner and selling him on being a perfect fit in its defensive scheme. The Wolverines hosted Clarke for an official visit earlier this month and took full control of this recruitment. Even before his OV, Clarke named Michigan his leader. Clarke felt at home during his time on campus and bonded well with the staff as well as good friend and freshman cornerback Shamari Earls, a fellow Richmond area native. It appears head coach Sherrone Moore, secondary coach LaMar Morgan and the rest of the staff have done enough to win this recruitment.

Why It Won’t Be Michigan

Kentucky has been a thorn for Michigan on the recruiting trail in recent cycles. The Wildcats quietly climbed up Clarke’s list after his official visit there this month. Kentucky has done well developing more under-the-radar corners with upside over the years, which was surely a selling point for the Wildcats. SMU also invested a ton of resources in Clarke. The Mustangs made their way to Virginia to see him on numerous occasions and made him a top of the board priority. SMU got Clarke on campus first and established itself as a true dark horse in this recruitment.

EJ’s Prediction

I put an On3 Prediction in favor of Michigan shortly after his official visit came to an end. Going into the decision, I still feel very confident that the Wolverines can win him over. Remember, Kentucky lost top recruiter Vince Marrow to Louisville, which was a big blow for the Wildcats. Michigan is the best program on Clarke’s list and checks a lot of boxes for what he’s looking for in his future school. It would be surprising if Clarke didn’t side with Michigan later today.

They Said It

“They are definitely up there,” Clarke said after his Michigan official visit. “Probably No. 1. I can see myself playing there and being there.”

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