2012 U.S. Army All-American Bowl: 4 Most Surprising Commitments

The All-American Bowl down in San Antonio features the top high school recruits in the nation in a deciding East vs. West clash. Certainly one of the most important bowls at this time of year, colleges from around America each have a say in what goes down here.

In all honesty, the outcome of the game is the least of anyone's worries as some of the country's biggest names choose where they will be spending the next four years of their young lives. This year, the game showed off some huge undecided recruits in Jonathan Bullard, Deon Bush, Shaquille Thompson and Ellis McCarthy. 

Considering this game is nationally broadcasted, these young men love to "pick the hat" in front of a millions of viewers just so they can get a taste of what it will be like every Saturday when they play in the spotlight. Every year, however, things don't always go according to how many analysts planned it out.

There are always some surprises. Big shots just trying to grab a little bit more of the conversation postgame. Top recruits hoping for more than just their 15 seconds of fame.

In the spirit of these high school seniors, we take a look at the top four stunning commitments of the 2012 All-American Bowl. 

Brian Nance

An outside linebacker out of a solid program in Euless Trinity, Nance was a three3-star recruit with four4-star potential. As he entered the All-American Bowl, Nance had narrowed his choices down to Cal, Arkansas, Baylor and UCLA. 

Of his options, the strongest programs are easily Arkansas and Cal. Baylor had an unusually great year under Heisman QB Robert Griffin III, but in a tough Big 12, it's likely that the Bears won't remain so dominant. As for the Bruins, they just fired their head coach and are for sure in a rebuilding mode.

Nance surprisingly chose to stay in Texas, heading off to Waco to play under Art Briles.

Obviously a tough choice, leaving behind Arkansas and Cal had to be more than difficult. This young recruit should make an immediate impact on a weak Baylor defense, however.  

Tyriq McCord

This senior out of Tampa Bay, FL had a very solid year at defensive end.

Easily fast enough to play at linebacker, McCord was looking at South Carolina, Georgia, Miami and USC going into the All-American Bowl.

The weakest program of the four is quite obviously Miami who is just coming off a tough season after a summer of scandal.

USC is returning to postseason competition next year while Georgia and South Carolina both had big years in the SEC East.

McCord decided to go with the Hurricanes. He told me after the game that it was easily one of the toughest choices he's every made, but that Golden was turning Miami around, and he was ready to make a big impact on their needy defense.

Jonathan Bullard

A very strong defensive-end recruit out of North Carolina, Bullard was ranked in the Top 15 at his position in the 2012 class.

Another big 4-star recruit, he had choices of universities lined up ranging from Auburn to Clemson and Florida to UNC.

The Gators have an extremely heavy recruiting class this season. Most undecided players love to go where they can make an immediate difference, and Florida just didn't seem to be that place. Clemson seemed the strongest choice just to the south of his home, especially with their need for big-time D-linemen. 

Bullard, however, went with Will Muschamp and Florida. He was obviously attracted to the huge program name as well as the loads of talent heading there this season. The DE may not be the best recruit the Gators get this offseason, but he should be making an impact there soon. 

Deon Bush

Hailing from Miami, FL, Bush was one of the best players in the city by far.

Playing safety for years now, he had a ton of options to choose from going into this game. Some of the top ones included Auburn, Florida, Miami and Georgia Tech.

Staying home to hang out at the U seemed unlikely, and many analysts had him taking up Auburn on their scholarship offer. Florida is always a great choice, but with so much talent already heading there, it wasn't the biggest draw. Georgia Tech came in as a backup choice.

Bush took his time, but eventually, ended up with a surprising pick in Miami.

Al Golden and the Hurricanes are getting a lot better with his addition to the program as he should be an immediate threat in the secondary.