EXCLUSIVE: UM adds 2016 gem

Wellington (Fla.) High School Class of 2016 Athlete Ahmmon RichardsClick Here to view this Link. lists 14 scholarship offers.

But today there was only one that mattered.

He committed to Miami.

"I committed to coach (Al) Golden and (Brennan) Carroll," Richards said. "They were really excited, said that it was a win for them to get another great player in that class."

He says he wanted to commit because "I like the fact that it's close to home so my family can come watch games. I just liked the feeling when I was at the school (he visited in late June)."

Wellington assistant coach Chris Forte says Richards could also project as a standout defensive back in college, as well as receiver.

Carroll was Richards' primary recruiter.

"Coach Carroll is a down-to-earth guy, really cool, the kind of guy I like," Richards said.

Richards first landed a Cane offer in November.

He says for now the commitment is solid - "as of right now it's just all about Miami," he said.

He picked the Canes over Florida, Georgia, West Virginia and Tennessee.

What does he see himself accomplishing at Miami?

"Just having a real big impact on the team," he said.

And he says in the future he sees "big things coming for the Hurricanes, national championships."

Forte says Richards has game-breaking speed and is very elusive.

"He's like a sponge too," Forte said. "He just turned 16 a month ago and the knowledge he can pick up quickly is unbelievable. You tell him one thing and the next time he does it perfect."

Wellington head coach Tom Abel adds that "He's an extremely hard worker, brings leadership, brings just character, brings everything you can possibly want as an athlete to represent your school. He has massive skills when it comes to catching and running with the football.

"I've been coaching for 16 years and this is my first time with a big-time athlete of his caliber. We've had kids I've coached that went to big-time universities, but when he was a freshman he was a superstar. We're very blessed to have him and it's going to be fun to watch him develop over the next two years before he goes to Miami."

Last season Richards finished with 30 receptions for 486 yards and four touchdowns.

* Richards began playing on varsity as a freshman when he was brought up to play outside linebacker.

"The next spring we saw what kind of talent he was at wide receiver," Forte said.