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Richmond adds Bama offer

When Alabama head coach Nick Saban called 2015 Memphis (Tenn.) University School offensive lineman Drew Richmond into his office on Saturday, Richmond said the experience was unreal.
"He sat me and my uncle down in his office and all of his championship rings were staring me in the face," Richmond said. "While he was talking I was like, "This is Nick Saban," it was kind of unreal."
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The reason Saban wanted to talk to Richmond face-to-face was to let him know that the Tide were extending a scholarship offer, joining North Carolina, Vanderbilt and Ole Miss as the programs to offer the 6-foot-6, 320-pound Richmond.
"Coach Saban told me that they don't normally offer guys this early," Richmond said. "But he said he really wants me to be a part of what they're doing at Alabama."
Former Alabama recruiting coordinator and wide receivers coach Mike Groh was Richmond's primary recruiter prior to leaving for a job in the NFL, so Richmond didn't know what to expect heading into the visit.
"I wasn't even sure if the new coaches knew who I was," Richmond said. "But [offensive line] Coach [Mario] Cristobal and I met and said he wanted to coach me."
It's still very early in the process for Richmond and he said that Saban encouraged him to enjoy the ride.
"I was just excited to get the offer and I'm taking it all in," Richmond said. "Coach told me to enjoy the process because it's only something you go through once."
Richmond projects as a tackle for the Tide and he said the long line of NFL-caliber talent produced by the program is something he's very aware of.
He spent the rest of the visit getting acquainted with campus and getting to know other members of the staff.
"The weight room was cool, I really enjoyed it," Richmond said. "I really like [strength and conditioning] Coach [Scott] Cochran. I went out on the field and it was just magical, being on the same place where I saw all these great games on TV; it's a beautiful place."
Richmond has a visit planned to Ole Miss in two weeks and then a trip to Tennessee on March 16. He said the next time he plans to be back in Tuscaloosa will be for the Spring Game.
In the meantime he said he plans keeping his options open and continuing to prepare for his junior season.
"I'm just waiting and trying to develop relationships," Richmond said. "I want to see who else really wants to offer and see how everything goes."
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