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Miami's need for WRs in this class has been glaring for quite some time. And, in an effort to address that area of concern, the Canes got a huge boost when top target 4-star WR Ahmmon Richards committed to Miami on National Signing Day.
Ahmmon Richards commits to Miami #Canes #TheU
— StateOfTheU.com (@TheStateOfTheU) February 3, 2016
#WelcomeToTheU pic.twitter.com/0xr8gDIB2D
— Canes Football (@CanesFootball) February 3, 2016
— DG (@dgould151) February 3, 2016
Wellington WR Ahmmon Richards (@AhmmonR2) commits to #Miami. #Canes
— Wells Dusenbury (@DuseReport) February 3, 2016
It's official. Wellington WR Ahmmon Richards (@AhmmonR2) has picked the #Canes
— Jodie Wagner (@JRWagner5) February 3, 2016
Richards, a U.S. Army All-American from Wellington, FL, was clearly the top target at this position for Miami. This was true when the previous staff was in place, and remained readily apparent once Mark Richt and staff took over. Standing 6'2" 175lbs, Richards has very good size for this position, and has the skills to be an immediate impact player for Miami.
For those who don't know the story of Richards' recruitment, here's the Cliff's Notes version: he committed to Miami after his junior year, was committed until the day of the Clemson loss, decommitted shortly after, was highly pursued by several other teams, and in the end decided his first choice was his best choice and committed to Miami again.
After Richards' decommitment following the Clemson loss, both Alabama and Auburn turned up their recruitment of the talented receiver. Throughout the following months, both the Crimson Tide and the Tigers were rumored to be at the top of Richards' list. Miami, however, stayed in contact with the interim staff, and continued that when Mark Richt took over as the Head man in the Gables.
After taking visits to all 3 of his finalists, Richards canceled a visit to Tennessee (never a real contender in his recruitment), and focused on making his decision. And, after thought and evaluation, he committed to Miami during ESPNU's National Signing Day special, giving Mark Richt another big win on the recruiting trail.
A very very talented player who will undoubtedly see playing time from the moment he sets foot on campus, you can see Richards' commitment is a watershed moment for Mark Richt and this staff. Richards joins Sam Bruce and Dionte Mullins as WR commits in this class.
You can see his HUDL highlights below: