At this stage in the recruiting season, rumors are swirling. The latest had Trent Richardson breaking off his long-time commitment to Alabama.
While LSU and Florida are making a strong push for the nation's No. 1 running back, Richardson's track and field coach and personal advisor Derrick Boyd says the rumors about a de-commitment are not true. Boyd was in the Richardson home Monday night for a six-hour meeting with Florida head coach Urban Meyer.
"I didn't hear the word 'de-commit' at all," Boyd said. "It appears that Florida might have made up a lot of ground, but I didn't ever hear the word 'de-commit.' It is going to be very interesting. When I left his house, Urban and coach Kenny Carter and I were all leaving at the same time."
Meyer's visit began a busy week for Richardson, who will also receive visits from LSU on Wednesday, Alabama on Thursday and Florida State on Friday. Alabama coach Nick Saban already did his one in-home visit with Richardson in December, but NCAA rules permit additional visits by assistant coaches. Offensive coordinator Jim McElwain, running backs coach Burton Burns and newly hired linebackers coach James Willis, whose recruiting territory includes Pensacola, are expected to visit Richardson on Thursday.
While Boyd said Richardson didn't switch his commitment Monday night, he admitted that the talented running back is probably as torn as ever with just over a week until National Signing Day, which is a week from Wednesday.
"I do think that prior to last night, Alabama was still in the lead," Boyd said. "Now it's probably a dead heat until [signing day]."
Richardson, No. 6 on the ESPNU 150, has been verbally committed to Alabama since June 2. He has taken visits to Alabama, Florida and LSU, and plans one to Florida State this weekend.
ESPN Scouts Inc. evaluation
Richardson has the strength to pound between the tackles and the perimeter speed to turn the corner and go the distance. He possesses great size: a compact, thick frame and very good upper- and lower-body strength. Can be a durable high-carry college back who can wear down a defense. He's a violent runner with great slashing, one-cut ability. Explodes downhill. Can decisively hit the small cutback crease without gearing down and losing much power through the hole. Makes himself small when needed. Squares up his shoulder pads quickly and is tough to bring down when he breaks through the seam with his great burst, low center of gravity and body tilt. Runs through most high arm tackles with his powerful upper body and nonstop leg drive. He's a pile-mover when he lowers his shoulders. Has the rare ability to hurt a defense inside, in space and on the perimeter. Shows smooth hips when eluding defenders and great jump-cut ability. Has good top-end speed at the second level and flashes a strong stiff-arm when a defender has the angle. Lacks great acceleration and doesn't always show the extra gear to separate after turning the corner. Needs to polish his receiving skills. Richardson can punish defenders in-line and after contact or dust them using his outside speed and quickness. He should be one of the more sought-after backs in the country.
