Many times college coaches are very meticulous and picky about the skill players that they offer scholarships to, especially running backs. Coaches are always looking for the perfect blend in a back that fits their style of offense. However, there are already several colleges that have seen enough of 5-foot-9, 180 pound Marietta (Ga.) Wheeler running back Richard Rich.

“Wake Forest, Duke and UAB have already offered me a scholarship,” Rich said.

“I’m getting a lot of mail from other schools right now. Georgia, Florida, Auburn, Wisconsin, Tennessee and Maryland are just some of the ones sending me mail. I probably get the most stuff from Maryland and Georgia.”

As a junior Rich carried the ball 196 times for 1,500 yards and 15 touchdowns with an average of 7.6 yards per carry.

“It’s still real early, but some of my favorite schools are Georgia, Florida State, Florida, Maryland, Wake Forest, Duke and UAB. I have always been an NFL team and never really had a college team so I haven’t had a dream of playing for a certain team or anything.”

Rich was given the rare honor of Cobb County running back of the year as a junior in addition to his being named to the all-county squad.

“Early playing time is something that is important to me, because I don’t want to sit on the bench for three years. I also want to play for a prestigious program where I have the opportunity to win a championship. I also want to make sure that I will be playing for a coaching staff that I will fit in well with.”

Rich said that he plans to attend camps at Georgia, Maryland, Florida, Auburn and Wake Forest this summer. He also plans to attend the Nike camp at Georgia Tech on May 8th.

“I kind of want to commit before the season starts so that I can concentrate on my senior year and my school work. I do want to take some visits over the summer and make a good decision and really check out my options before I decide."