Four-star athlete Mark Richards (6-foot-1, 185 pounds) revealed the teams vying for his services hardest during an interview with 247Sports (with subscription) earlier this week.
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"Definitely Florida, Miami, Auburn most definitely for a while has been hitting me up, Ohio State is starting to stick out and Notre Dame, those are the school contacting me non-stop," Richards said.
Richards is expected to plan an upcoming visit to Florida and confirmed he will attend the Gators' spring game, having been heavily recruited by area recruiter Ja'Juan Seider — who went to high school with his mother — and Director of Player Personnel Drew Hughes.
The four-star prospect discussed some of the factors that have helped Florida emerge as a favorite among his college choices.
"The atmosphere. Not just the atmosphere, but overall, the players. I know a few players that went up there, I know some of that are committed, some are around here, but when I get up there, I'm just going to see what they tell me opportunity-wise. The offense is huge, because Coach Mullen is an offensive guy. If they let me play running back or receiver, that would be good."
Richards also confirmed that Miami did not have an added advantage despite his older brother, wide receiver Ahmmon Richards, playing for the team.
"It wouldn't really factor at all. That's my brother, you know I'm close to the Miami players, but you know it's a decision I have to make. He tells me that all the time. He tells me to make a decision where I'm comfortable and don't come to Miami just because he's there."
Richards ranks as the No. 8 athlete, No. 13 player from the state of Florida and the No. 95 overall prospect for the 2018 national recruiting cycle, according to the 247Sports Composite ranking.
