Shaq Thompson Commits To Washington, Drops Cal

Shaq Thompson, the top safety recruit in the country, has dropped the Cal Bears and committed to the Washington Huskies, per California Golden Blogs. Thompson had been committed to Cal for about a month, and his brother also played for the hometown Golden Bears. But the departure of Tosh Lupoi to Washington, combined with the Huskies luring defensive coordinator Justin Wilcox from Tennessee. The connection with coach Peter Sirmon didn't hurt, either. The tweets tell the tale.

Cal's recruiting class is falling apart, according to SB Nation Bay Area:

This is a tough blow for Cal, who have already lost Ellis McCarthy to UCLA and Arik Armstead to Oregon. Once looking like the best recruiting class in the Pac-12 in 2012, the Cal defensive class is starting to look very vulnerable and a lot of other programs in the conference are benefiting.

Just committed to the UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON #HUSKYNATION

— Shaq Thompson(Grant) (@ItsShaqThompson) January 31, 2012

It's official: Shaq tells us the reasons for Washington are: "It's where my heart is; second highest graduation rate in the Pac-12..."

— Joe Davidson (@sb_joedavidson) January 31, 2012

Just heard from Shaq;Wash was a close 2nd to Cal earlier;really likes Tosh Lupoi,academics;best friend James Sample is there. It's done.

— Joe Davidson (@sb_joedavidson) January 31, 2012

Cannot underestimate Tosh Lupoi impact here;had Lupoi next left Cal,Shaq would be a Bear & so likely would have Armstead;domino affect HUGE

— Joe Davidson (@sb_joedavidson) January 31, 2012

Baseball was another big factor for UW, Sark was willing to allow him to miss some spring ball, family appreciated the flexibility

— Greg Biggins (@GregBiggins) January 31, 2012

@bclose32 Not UW baseball, family is hopeful of getting drafted and doing minor league baseball in the spring, football in the fall

— Greg Biggins (@GregBiggins) January 31, 2012

For more on Cal recruiting, head to California Golden Blogs.