ACC Football: Top 5 recruiting targets for National Signing Day

CHARLOTTE, NC - DECEMBER 03: The Clemson Tigers celebrate after defeating the Virginia Tech Hokies to win the ACC Championship at Bank of America Stadium on December 3, 2011 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC - DECEMBER 03: The Clemson Tigers celebrate after defeating the Virginia Tech Hokies to win the ACC Championship at Bank of America Stadium on December 3, 2011 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
(Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /

Mark-Antony Richards, Athlete

In much the same way that momentum can swing suddenly on the field, the Miami Hurricanes have seen the energy surrounding their program reverse quickly in a short space of time.

New head coach and former defensive coordinator Manny Diaz has worked hard to turn around the Hurricanes’ cratering 2019 recruiting class. Of course, only so much can be done in a coach’s first couple months, but signing four-star athlete Mark-Antony Richards out of Wellington, Florida, would go a long way in steadying the waters in Miami.

Canes faithful might recognize the last name Richards: the classically named Mark-Antony is the younger brother of former Miami standout receiver Ahmmon Richards, who suffered a career-ending injury in 2018.

The younger Richards, currently ranked 90 nationally, is the no. 4 athlete in 2019. A versatile player, many believe Richards is a better defensive prospect, but he has expressed interest in playing offense. Miami is currently recruiting Richards as a running back, with opportunities to play safety and defensive end.

Also vying for Richards’ services are the Florida Gators, Auburn Tigers, Penn State, and Georgia Bulldogs. Miami is seen as the leader, however, as the Canes were the first program to recruit Richards, who officially visited Coral Gables on January 25.