How Michigan was able to flip four-star WR Brady Marchese from Georgia

Wednesday was National Signing Day and the start of the early signing period. And yes, the Georgia Bulldogs had a very nice day and ultimately brought in the No. 5-ranked class in college football, but the day after has brought a huge loss.

Brady Marchese is a four-star wide receiver from Cartersville, Georgia, who has been committed to the Bulldogs since March. The Michigan Wolverines had made a huge push for Marchese in June, but Georgia was able to fend them off. From then on, Marchese's commitment to the Bulldogs had been solid.

That is, until this early signing period opened and the four-star neglected to sign with the Bulldogs. A day later, he's flipped his commitment and signed with Michigan.

According to Sam Webb of 247Sports, the Wolverines reached out on Wednesday after Marchese did not sign his letter of intent with the Bulldogs. 

This was a long time coming, though, and it's because of the connection Marchese has with Michigan co-offensive coordinator and wideouts coach Ron Bellamy. 

Bellamy had been around Cartersville High School recruiting a teammate (Jamauri Brice) a few years ago, and that's where the connection to Michigan began for Marchese.

"I think this all started two years ago when Coach Bell (i.e. Ron Bellamy) was recruiting Jamauri Brice, and (during) that process Brady got a firsthand look at that before he really exploded," Cartersville wide receivers coach Russell King told Webb. "And (he saw) how genuine and real (Bellamy is), and no lies were told. Just honest and up front. And I think that intrigued Brady. And I think (it's) just consistency. There wasn't always constant communication or just open recruiting once Brady committed, but I will say Michigan kept up with Brady, and Brady kept up with Michigan."