4-Star OL Nick Richardson Commits to Kentucky Wildcats

It certainly didn’t take long for Mark stoops to rebound from yesterday’s miss on 3-star offensive tackle Brady Taylor, who shockingly committed to Virginia Tech after it was believed he was bound for UK.

Stoops certainly bounce d back today with a commitment from one of the best offensive lineman in the 2014 class:

BREAKING: Four-star offensive lineman Nick Richardson has committed to Kentucky. Another #Rivals250 recruit.
— Justin Rowland (@RowlandRIVALS) July 30, 2013

..... #YAHTZEE !!!
— CoachMarrowUK (@vincemarrow) July 30, 2013

Can’t keep a good man down long. Give me a YAHTZEE !!!! pic.twitter.com/JREfYLNeBP
— Mark Stoops (@UKCoachStoops) July 30, 2013

Our Football Editor, Kyle broke down Richardson when he visited in June

"Rated as a four-star offensive tackle by rivals, Richardson is also considered the #19 tackle in the country and the #7 player in the state of Ohio. The Wildcats are competing against a host of schools from the Big 12, Big 10, ACC, and SEC for his talents, although it appears it will come down to UK and Michigan State.With so much talent already in the fold all over the defensive side of the ball, at quarterback, and running back as well, Ketucky is expected to really focus on the offensive line and wide receiver positions to finish out this class. Adding Richardson would be huge. At 6’4, he has good height and he’s surprisingly athletic for a player close to 300 pounds. Heading into his senior season, Richardson already has the skills that the staff is looking for in their offensive tackles and he could legitimately play on either the right or left side of the line comfortably. As big as some of the commitments in the 2014 class may be, Richardson would instantly be one of the most important."

Kentucky now has 22 known commitments for 2014, including nine from Ohio. Richardson was believed to be down to Kentucky and Vanderbilt, while also holding offers from Ole miss, Michigan State, Illinois and West Virginia among others.

ESPN Breakdown

Size-Stregth-Athleticism	His sturdy frame appears capable of supporting additional body mass over time. Shows good upper-body playing strength and strong hands. Will get knocked off his feet occasionally but overall we see a lineman capable of playing on his feet in space.
Pass Protection	His arm length and nimble feet should be assets in pass protection. Flashes the ability to set quickly with good bend and slide. Can mirror and recover to handle change of direction movement without crossing his feet. Possesses good initial hand location and extension, however his initial punch must improve.
Run Blocking	His immediate explosion and pad level must be addressed. Comes off the ball a little too high, but his upper-body playing strength, blocking base and persistent leg drive allow him to get movement and sustain. Flashes good quickness with proper angles to the second level/linebacker area. Able to reach for leverage when blocking offset defensive linemen.
Toughness	Richardson is a tough guy. Finishes with the consistent effort we like to see when evaluating offensive linemen.
Bottom Line	Richardson will need some time and most likely a redshirt year to develop physically while polishing his skills, but once this is accomplished he should have a productive career.

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