College Football Recruiting 2012: Early Look at the Most Surprising Commitments

As with every recruiting cycle, we see a ton happening that leaves us shaking our heads or saying "hmm." From players making commitments, to players decommitting, to new leaders emerging or players backing out of a visit, a ton surprising things happen in recruiting year in and year out.

So far in the 2012 class, we are still a bit early in the process, but there have been a couple surprises to the cycle thus far. In this piece, we're just going name a few that have had us a bit perplexed.

Here are five commitments and other developments so far in 2012 recruiting that are surprising.

5. Matt Davis Committing to Texas A&M

Davis is one of the very most talented players in all of Texas this year. He's a dual threat QB that stands 6'1", 200 pounds and can annoy a defense passing or running.

He missed most of his junior season with torn ACL, but reports have his knee being close 100 percent. During the process, Davis had been routinely quoted as saying he wanted to take his time. He seemed to like Oklahoma State, Auburn, TCU and Oklahoma among a host of other schools.

Well, last week Davis made his decision, and it was to go to Texas A&M. While the Aggies were always on Davis' radar, making a decision this soon was a surprise.

4. DJ Humphries Naming Florida as His Clear Cut Leader with Dunker in the Fold

DJ Humphries may be the very most athletic offensive lineman in the country. At 6'6" and 275 pounds, Humphries has left tackle written all over him due to his agility, nimble feet, mirror, slide and recover ability.

He has stated that he really likes Florida and that the Gator program feels like home to him. This is fine and dandy, but comes a mild surprise since Florida already has Jessamen Dunker committed.

Dunker, like Humphries, is a super-athletic offensive lineman that looks like a future NFL left tackle as well. So Humphries favoring the Gainesville Guys is a bit of surprise.

3. Shaq Thompson Committing Then Decommitting from Cal Within a Week

While some people were a bit caught off guard by Thompson pledging to Cal so soon, I wasn't. He comes from high school program that is a pipeline to Berkley—including his brother, Syd'Quan Thompson, a former Bear who plays for the Broncos now.

But what shocked me was Shaq decommitting form Cal only days after pledging to Jeff Tedford. Shaq and his mother didn't really speak to the media after announcing the change of plans, only saying Shaq wanted to open things up again.

I still think in the end Shaq ends up intercepting passes on Tightwad Hill.  

2. Johnathan Gray Committing to Texas over TCU and Texas Tech

If you've followed my board for the 2012 class, you know I have Gray as the top rock toter in the country. 5'11", 195 pounds, he's one of the most complete running backs I've seen play on the prep level.

At first, Gray was saying he would wait to make a decision, likely until signing day. Then he announced the process was wearing on him and narrowed his final three down to Texas, TCU and Texas A&M.

His father is a former Red Raider, and even I thought TCU may sneak and win out. But Gray chose Texas last week, even though the Longhorns signed the top 2011 running back in Malcolm Brown.

A bit surprising, but look for Brown and Gray to become a dynamic backfield tandem in Austin.

1. Zeke Pike Committing to Auburn

6'6", 225 pounds, Pike in one of the elite QB prospects in the country for 2012. He had a plethora of offers from just about every who's who in FBS college football. Pike has a cannon arm and good athleticism.

He's also a player who's been saying he would wait to make a decision and how he was in no rush. Yet, last week, he abruptly called a press conference to announce he was committing to a school.

Speculation ran afoot of where Pike was headed. Then Pike came out and announced his heart was taking him to Auburn. As the timing of the commitment was surprising, so was choosing Auburn.

Gene Chizik just signed Kiehl Frazier in his 2011 class, and Frazier is one of the top incoming QB prospects. Pike pledging to Auburn is a mild shock, but shows he is not afraid of competition.