The Missouri Tigers were expecting defensive linemen Sheldon Richardson, prized JUCO football recruit, to join Mizzou at some point. Then, back in November, Richardson announced he had changed his commitment and he'd be going to USC, citing defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin as a major reason.
On Wednesday, Mizzou received some good news. USC is out and the Tigers are in. Richardson changed his mind (again) and signed a national letter of intent with the Missouri Tigers. The St. Louis, Mo. native is staying in the area.
Richardson originally signed with Mizzou in 2009 before going the junior college route. He's a coveted player and was ranked the No. 4 overall player by Rivals coming out of a St. Louis high school. Via a Mizzou press release:
A native of St. Louis, Mo., Richardson was a dominant defensive lineman and tight end at Gateway Tech High School, where he was ranked by Rivals.com as the No. 4 overall player (any position) in the nation, as well as being the No. 1 defensive tackle prospect in the country by several national outlets. He also checked in as the No. 1 overall player (any position) in the state of Missouri, and originally signed with Mizzou as part of the 2009 signing class, before going the junior college route.
Hints of Richardson potentially changing his mind came on Tuesday night from Dave Matter of the Columbia Tribune.
After confirming that he will sign with a school on Wednesday, Richardson declined to say which school. "Nope, what’s the fun in that?" he responded via text message.
Indeed, what's the fun in that.
Check out Rock M Nation to see how Mizzou fans are reacting to the move.