College Football Recruiting 2012: 5 Recruits Who WILL Switch Schools

One thing that we forget in college football recruiting is that when a player commits to a school, it's just a verbal declaration of intention to attend and play for that program. Until the player signs his National Letter of Intent, he can change his mind and do whatever he likes.

And many recruits have. We have seen a slew of players change their minds and de-commit and re-commit over and over again each recruiting cycle.

With 2012 recruiting just now coming into form heading into the summer, it's tough to get a read on potential de-commitments and switches. But here are five players I think will ultimately pull a switch-a-roo.

5. Geno Smith, CB

Smith is one of the top cornerbacks in the country this year. At 6'0", 165 pounds, Smith is a hot prospect on the trail thanks to his length, athletic ability and cover skills.

Right now, Smith says Auburn is standing out a bit more than others, stating the comfort level with the coaching staff as one of the prime factors for their great standing with him.

However, I think in the end the Georgia native, who has said the Bulldogs are recruiting him relentlessly, will end up playing in Athens, but also do not count Alabama out by any means.

4. Shaq Thompson, DS

Thompson is an interesting prospect, but first I have to clearly state that he makes this list almost in reverse fashion, meaning I think Thompson will go back to committing to a school than being on the market.

And that school is more than likely Cal. Thompson is the younger brother of Syd'Quan Thompson, a former Cal DB, and goes to Grant High School in Sacramento, which is a Cal pipeline.

The 6'1", 185-pounder was briefly committed to Cal and admits he does get homesick when he's away from home, so eventually look for him to revert back to his original and assumed commitment. 

3. Jarron Jones, DT

Ranked as the No. 2 overall DT by some publications, Jones is a 6'5", 290-pound interior DL prospect that has a soft verbal commitment to Penn State.

But the key word in his pledge is "soft," meaning he will continue to look at other schools and take his visits.

I think Jones, who recently visited Michigan and has offers from programs such as Notre Dame, North Carolina, BC and Pitt among a plethora of others, may indeed see something he likes, somewhere else.

2. Brionte Dunn, RB

At 6'1", 225 pounds, Dunn is a 5-star RB and one of the top prospects in not just the Midwest, but the country. He's committed to Ohio State, but in the middle of the rumors of heavy oncoming sanctions on the Buckeyes, Dunn made a shocking visit...

...to Michigan. He says he's committed to Ohio State still and is very solid, but will continue to look around and weigh his options.

As the rumors continue and also will get worse as speculation continues, Dunn is a prime candidate to choose to tote the rock for someone else as a collegian. 

1. Jordan Payton, WR

Payton gave USC a commitment during the latter portion of his sophomore year at Oaks Christian high school in the metro Los Angeles area.

At 6'2",190 pounds, Payton is a 4-star WR prospect and one of the top players at his position. 

But the recruitment of Payton has been peculiar to say the least, as he has taken many unofficial visits and has gone out of his way to look at other schools.

If he winds up at USC as it stands right now, that would go down as a big surprise.