Palm Beach Post
ST. PETERSBURG, FL – Team Fizz is on the ground in Florida and¬†has spoken with a source close to the Nu’Keese Richardson situation, who laid out the foundation of Nu’keese’s plan and chances he comes to Syracuse.
Right now, Richardson is in his hometown of Pahokee, Fl., where he first developed into the highly-sought after recruit that Lane Kiffin stole from Urban Meyer. We know he has left Coffeyville Community College, and now headed to Palm Beach State College near his hometown.
The source said that Nu’keese did have an official offer from both Kansas and Syracuse heading into the final month of January, while USF showed strong interest in him as well. Florida A&M, though, is considered the favorite to land Richardson, since he would prefer to stay in-state. There is, however, a string attached.
After Richardson’s long history, programs are looking for him to commit to an associate’s degree before they will commit a scholarship. That degree also allows him to be a “free agent” recruit and have 3 years of eligibility left.
Doug Marrone had vague comments about an unnamed recruit who may still be part of Syracuse’s 2011 recruiting class. At his Signing Day press conference Marrone claimed “Recruit X’s” situation would be resolved in the next 10-14 days.
Palm Beach State’s add-drop deadline for the 12-week semester program is February 11th. That means Richardson would have to be enrolled by then for Syracuse to take a chance on him.
Marrone also said not many people knew about this recruitment, which might explain the differing reports on whether SU had offered Nu’keese. It has been a quiet process for Richardson, with only the Palm Beach Post reporting any news on him, and most message boards refuting the Orange had an offer out.
Connecting the dots at this point is speculation, but the stars seem to align.
Richardson, by all accounts, wants to stay in Florida. But he still hasn’t signed a letter of intent. The way Marrone is speaking, Richardson seems like a probable fit for “Recruit X.”
Posted: Ted Conroy
