USC makes big impression on Richardson

Pahokee High School standout and future four-star wide receiver Nu’Keese Richardson made a return trip to the University of South Carolina for the annual Garnet and Black spring game over the weekend. Richardson had previously named the Gamecocks as his favorite school. Did that lead get any bigger? Did the speedy receiver consider committing while on campus? Read inside for all the details.

Making his first visit to South Carolina in almost a year, Richardson came away extremely impressed with everything he saw while in Columbia.

“Everything was great,” the 5’9”, 175 pound star said. “I liked it a lot. Some people knew me and stuff there. It was exciting to me; I was very impressed with how their fans loved football.”

According to Richardson, who runs a 4.4 second forty yard dash and has a 37-inch vertical, the fans were the one thing that stood out the most to him.

“Basically I just like their fans. I thought their fans stood out. Coming from Pahokee our fans are always supportive, so (USC) had real supportive fans, too.”

Richardson also liked what he saw from the Gamecocks’ offense during Saturday’s game.

“I liked (the offense) a lot. I think Coach Spurrier, Jr. was calling the plays, and he did a great job at it.”

Richardson and USC commitment Chris Payne have been friends for a while now, and were able to catch up with each other at the game.

“He was just like my tour buddy. He was showing me around and stuff, and we hung out some after (the game). Chris and I just chilled out.”

Richardson was also able to talk with his recruiter of record and future position coach if he does end up at South Carolina.

“I talked to Coach Gillespie and (USC wide receivers) Coach Steve Spurrier, Jr.,” he said. “They were trying to get me to the pull the trigger, stop my recruitment then, and commit to them. I told them I’ve got two more visits and after that (I may make a decision.)”

Richardson did at least consider making the two coaches extremely happy.

“It ran across my mind, but I knew what I had to do. Right now, I’m holding off (on committing).”

Even though he left Columbia without committing, Richardson still has the Gamecocks at the top of his list.

“I’ve been there once before. I feel the same way (about South Carolina), it will never change. If I had to choose today it would be (South Carolina).”

But Richardson doesn’t have to choose today, and the two looming visits could play a big factor in his recruitment. Southern Cal and the University of Georgia recently offered Richardson. He has a visit set up with Southern Cal on June 25, and also plans to visit Georgia sometime during the summer.

“I’m going to take some time and break every school down (after those visits). I’m going to sit down with (my family) and go over it.”

He still doesn’t know exactly when he will be ready to make a commitment, though.

“At this time I don’t know, I really want to get it over with.”


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