Top RB has over 40 Offers

NAME: David Richard

POSITION: Running back

SCHOOL: Hazelwood East High School, Saint Louis, Missouri

TEAM RECORD: 10-1 (upset in round one of playoffs)

HEIGHT: 6-foot-3

WEIGHT: 230 pounds

40 TIME: 4.4 (handheld on track and on grass)

BENCH: 350

SQUAT: 550

VERTICAL LEAP: 36 inches

GPA: 2.8

ACT: 19

David made All-State, All-District and All-Conference last year. His first game of this season is September 1st.

He has over 40 offers including Michigan State, Nebraska, UCLA, Missouri, Notre Dame, Louisville, Tennessee, Mississippi, Kansas State, Illinois and Iowa. He is also hearing from Arizona, Arizona State and Toledo. "I had committed to Tennessee earlier, but then realized that I had made a mistake and withdrew the commitment," David said.

"Distance will not play a factor in my decision. I will be looking at the school needs and whether I can help at my position. Also, good academics and a great tradition are important," Richard said. "My main focus will be on possible playing time as a true freshman and not having to be redshirted.''

David will make his decision after he takes his visits which will probably come after the season.

He has attended the Missouri and Tennessee 1 day camps and a 7 on 7 camp. He has his first official visit set up in December with UCLA. Michigan State and Missouri are David's favorites right now and he is a Tennessee and Nebraska fan.

If he had to make his official visits, they would be to the following (his comments follow):

UCLA - "I have a visit set up with them already and they are gonna need a tailback when Foster leaves next year."

Michigan State - "They have big backs and I have a good chance of playing early."

Missouri - " The new coach is changing things and the facilities. He's going to turn things around and I'd like to be an in-state player that helps with that."

Nebraska - "They have great tradition and carry a lot of big backs, so I would fit into their offense well."

Notre Dame - "They have the greatest tradition in the NCAA. I like them a lot and I would really like to play there."

David said of his strong points - "My power running and speed are my strong points."

He described himself as - "An all-around running back like Eddie George."

He plans to major in business.

Antonio Mason of Pattonville High, who is now headed for Illinois, was his toughest opposing player.