College Football Recruiting 2012: The 5 Most Surprising Recruiting Classes

Surprises. Some people like them, others don't.

There have been a lot of surprises this year in recruiting, especially with regard to recruiting classes.

Whether the class is a pleasant surprise or a bad shock, I'm going to give you the five most surprising recruiting classes in college football.

Let's get started.

5. Oregon

Oregon makes this list—and not for good measure.

I'm not sure if Chip Kelly and his staff are having an off-year, waiting to rev up the motor until after their bowl game, or maybe the Willie Lyles scandal and investigation is turning recruits off.

Whatever the case is, it's surprising that Oregon has just eight commitments right now. They're not on pace for a good class and need to get going.

Though they are in consideration of elite recruits like Kwon Alexander and Josh Garnett, the Ducks make this list as of now.

4. Auburn

This is a shock to me, and egg all over my face because I predicted Auburn would have a down year in the recruiting due to hauling in two elite, fantastic classes the year before.

I was wrong. I apologize, Gene Chizik and Auburn fans. 

War Eagle has a top 10 class right now with 14 commitments, including several outstanding recruits such as a QB Zeke Pike, WR Ricardo Louis, TE Ricky Parks and LB Cassanova McKinzy.

3. Michigan

Big Blue also makes this list for good reason.

It was just a short time ago that Michigan lost Dee Hart to Alabama and fired Rich Rodriguez. Recruiting was looking slim again.

Brady Hoke has changed that. Real quick.

The Wolverines have a top five class for 2012 and already have 23 commitments.

They have four great LB recruits pledged, along with stealing 5-star OT Kyle Kalis right away from Ohio State.

2. Nebraska

Now we get to Big Red, as they are on the opposite side of the spectrum from Big Blue.

Nebraska has just six commitments, and they are not on a good track right now.

It's shocking because with the move to the Big Ten, the energy surrounding the Cornhusker program and Nebraska having a solid class last year, you'd imagine they'd be in store for a better output then they've shown right now.

1. Texas A&M

The Aggies are the most surprising to me, because they aren't a recruiting juggernaut on a consistent basis.

But this year Mike Sherman has 19 commitments and is on pace for a top five class.

That has to be surprising to more people than just me.

The Aggies have pledges from QB Matt Davis, RB Trey Williams, LB Corey Thompson, DB Kenny Marshall and LB Jordan Richmond. 

Wowsers.