LOOK: Top-40 2023 running back Richard Young visits Florida
Lehigh Acres (Fla.) running back Richard Young spent the weekend visiting Florida, and the four-star prospect shared photos of his visit on Instagram.
Young, the No. 37 overall player in the 2023 class according to the On3Consensus, has already racked up more than 40 offers before his junior season is even over. Among those are Georgia, Ohio State, Alabama, and Clemson.
He says the Buckeyes and Crimson Tide are at the top of his list right now, but he’s still considering Georgia, Florida, Clemson, Oklahoma, Michigan State.
Alabama, Georgia, Clemson making a push for Richard Young
The other school in his current top two is Alabama, which has its own impressive running game. The Crimson Tide’s offensive line play has impressed Young, who said, “I could also see myself there, too.”
Although Georgia isn’t in the top duo, the Bulldogs’ ascension to the No. 1 ranking in the country this season has caught Young’s eye. As has their penchant for developing elite running backs.
“(Being No. 1) helps them a lot,” Young said. “Georgia is always going to be a top priority. … They’re trying to build a squad, and they definitely are. I can give them that.”
He plans on getting back to Athens this season, but his November 20 visit to Alabama is the only one he has currently set. He tripped to Georgia over the summer and said he “loved it.”
“That’s what’s making me go back there again,” he added. “I definitely want to see the atmosphere.”
Clemson remains in contention as well, despite the Tigers’ struggles this season. Running backs coach CJ Spiller has built a strong relationship, and Young says he hopes to get back to Clemson for a gameday visit.
“Clemson is still a big-time part of my recruitment,” Young said. “With me and [C.J.] Spiller, it’s just always going to be family with them. So, they’re definitely still in my recruitment.”
Oklahoma, Michigan State are surprise contenders
Despite having no real connection to the Michigan State program outside of his recruitment, Young is intrigued by the Spartans. Heisman candidate Kennth Walker III has provided an idea of what the offense could look like there for Young.
Oklahoma, meanwhile, has a pair of 2023 commits Young is close to — wideout Brandon Inniss and running back Treyaun Webb. The Sooners have the No. 1 class in the 2023 cycle right now, and that momentum has caught Young’s eye.
“They got the best 2023 class coming in right now., so that’s why I’m looking at them,” he said.
And while he only has one fall visit set, Richard Young says he plans to see both Oklahoma and Georgia at some point. With his high school season in full swing, he’s mainly been focused on the field and doesn’t have a timetable for narrowing his list further or committing.
But he does know what he wants from the school he chooses.
“Relationship is the biggest part of it,” Richard Young said. “What the program is like and the success there. That’s definitely what I’m looking forward to. … I just want to play at the best level possible and find a school that fits me the best.