4-Star DE Michael Barnett Flips Commitment from Florida State to Georgia

Michael Barnett provided a plot twist in his recruitment process Friday morning, impacting a pair of top-10 2015 classes. The South Carolina defensive end was expected to sign an early enrollment agreement with Florida State, but changed course and switched his allegiance to Georgia:

The 4-star Woodland High School prospect altered his collegiate plans to the surprise of those who attended a ceremony anticipated to end with him solidifying a commitment to Florida State. Instead, Barnett backed out of a three-month verbal pact with the Seminoles. 

He identified personal relationships as a main motivation. 

“My godmother is a Georgia fan,” Barnett told Ryan Bartow of 247Sports. “I have family in Georgia. I could’ve played anywhere and been successful. The SEC played a part. Georgia plays in a powerhouse conference.”

He is the second standout defensive lineman to flip to Georgia in a six-week span. Former Alabama commit Jonathan Ledbetter joined the Bulldogs class in mid-August.

Their decisions were preceded by perhaps the most important pledge of this recruiting cycle. Trent Thompson, a 5-star defensive tackle rated third overall in 247Sports' composite rankings, announced his commitment to Georgia four days before Ledbetter jumped on the bandwagon.

Coach Mark Richt's latest haul also includes 4-star pass-rushers Chauncey Rivers and Natrez Patrick, creating a stockpile of talent along the defensive front for Georgia. It's quickly become an area of strength for the Bulldogs in a class that currently rates second nationally in 247Sports' composite rankings.

Barnett, a 6'5", 258-pound playmaker, has made an impact throughout his high school career. He emerged as a top-tier collegiate prospect in 2012, earning All-State honors as a sophomore.

Credit: 247Sports

His junior season was even more impressive. Barnett registered career-highs across the board with 89 tackles, including 31 for loss, and seven sacks.

He is rated 11th nationally among strong-side defensive ends in 247Sports' composite rankings.

Barnett initially committed to Virginia Tech, but reopened his recruitment in February. He holds a list of scholarship offers that also includes Clemson, Alabama, LSU and Notre Dame.

Florida State falls to sixth in class rankings with the departure of Barnett. Jimbo Fisher's team has lost a pivotal piece of its class, and is now left looking for help at defensive end. 

The Seminoles and Bulldogs are battling for the top prospect at the position in Josh Sweat, a 5-star Virginia product sidelined with a dislocated patella. He is expected to spend official visits at both campuses before making a decision.

Recruit ratings and offer information courtesy of 247Sports.