MORGANTOWN — University High standout receiver Amir Richardson, a WVU target for more than a year, plans to reveal his college decision July 30. The 6-foot-2, 200-pounder is a Rivals three-star prospect who holds 13 offers including Pitt, Georgia Tech, Cincinnati, Marshall, Army and Temple.
The Mountaineers, like many programs, envision Richardson playing safety or growing into an outside linebacker. He told Rivals that Georgia Tech and Marshall made his list of finalists because they’re promising him a chance to remain on offense.
“Of course, it’s always been a dream for me to play Power 5,” Richardson said. “It’s been a fun process to go through it with my family. Growing up, everybody wants the 45 offers and the five-star ratings and everything else, so I’ve had a little taste of that. But now it’s nearing an end.”
Richardson led University High to an 11-1 finish and the state quarterfinals last season, making 48 catches for 714 yards and 15 touchdowns.
As a two-way star, he also made 42 tackles, three sacks and two interceptions.
Richardson established some lofty individual goals for his senior season.
“I want to try to get that Kennedy Award or the Randy Moss Award — just something to solidify myself as one of the best players in the state,” he said.
Richardson’s father, Tony, played defensive tackle for WVU in 1991 and ’92, and his older brother Tony Jr. recently completed his college career as a four-year starter at VMI.
“He’s got a lot of pressure on him,” University coach John Kelley said. “People are telling him, ‘Don’t go to Pitt. Go to West Virginia.’ But he’s handling it the right way. Some people want him on offense and some want him on defense, but he’s a heck of an athlete. And that’s what colleges recruit, athletes.”
