Signing Day switch for Torshiro Davis

In arguably the biggest surprise National Signing Day switch in Mack Brown's career at Texas, the Longhorns scored big on Wednesday morning when they swiped a top national prospect from one of college football's powerhouse programs. And to make it even more impressive, Texas got the elite prospect to decommit from the big in-state school to shock the world with a pledge to the Longhorns.

Texas fans, welcome Torshiro Davis to the Longhorns' 2012 recruiting class.

Davis, a standout defender from Shreveport Woodlawn High School, shocked the football recruiting world this morning when he faxed in his letter of intent to the Longhorns, snubbing a commitment from LSU that had stood for 363 days. It was a decision he kept under wraps until the very last minute.

"He just sat down and thought about best place for him," former Woodlawn head coach DeCarlos Holmes said.

Though he'd been a longstanding commitment to LSU, Davis had taken visits to both Alabama and Texas. He maintained throughout the recruiting process that he was leaning heavily towards sticking with his LSU pledge, but in the last few days began to give more consideration to Texas.

Davis has a built a strong relationship with UT defensive tackles coach Bo Davis. Texas signing Mack Brown to a recent contract extension was a factor. A pass-rushing specialist, the ability to play DE for the Longhorns as opposed to linebacker for LSU was also an aspect that weighed into Davis' final decision.

"You need pass rushers in the Big 12," Holmes said. "He went to (Army All-American Game) and played linebacker. He didn't get a lot of action. He's a pass rusher."

The decision to flip his commitment at the last minute was one Davis struggled with. His loyalty to the LSU coaches and the in-state LSU fans was tough to overcome. In the end, Davis made the decision that went against just about everyone's expectations.

"He became his own man. He didn't let anyone make the decision for him," coach Holmes said.

Davis' relationship with UT assistant coach Bo Davis dates back to coach Davis' days at Alabama. He coached Torshiro at a camp in the ninth grade, and the two have maintained a close friendship ever since.

"He talks to Bo just about every night. Bo's like a father to him," coach Holmes said.

A 6-3, 222-pound speedster with 4.5 speed, Davis is ranked No. 125 nationally. Texas has recruited him to be a speed rusher off the edge who can apply pressure to the quarterback. He's rated as the No. 3 overall prospect in the state of Louisiana.

"He's just a speed rusher. He's relentless," coach Holmes said.