MU recruit decides to head to USC (maybe), but hasn’t told Mizzou yet

PowerMizzou.com and the St. Louis Post-Dispatch are reporting that Sheldon Richardson is changing his mind and his committing to USC instead of Missouri.

Richardson was a rated by rivals.com as a five star defensive tackle coming out of Gateway Tech High School in St. Louis. He committed to Missouri, but academic shortcomings forced him to go to a junior college.

After reading more into this article by Vahe Gregorian, I’m not sure Richardson has made up his mind. According to the story, he is still going to take recruiting visits. He also told Gregorian that he was back and forth on this decision and that it would be kind of hard to tell them (Missouri) that he’s not coming…or he said he thinks he’s not coming (to MU) anymore.

WHAT?

So, is he going to USC or not? I don’t think this kid has any idea and I’m not sure what his motivation is for stringing along Missouri. In addition to considering USC, Richardson could also visit Miami, Cal and Arizona State.

If I was at Missouri, I tell Richardson best of luck. If he’s concerned about getting to the NFL and thinks former pro guru Monte Kiffin (USC’s defensive coordinator) is the best way to get there, good for him. Right now, Gary Pinkel needs players committed to continuing to keep his program headed in the right direction, not someone who is going to waver on his decision and be a guy who thinks only of himself. I also think Richardson has forgotten that Missouri has sent William Moore, Sean Weatherspoon and Ziggy Hood to the NFL on the defensive side of the ball, not to mention players like Chase Daniel, Jeremy Maclin and Chase Coffman from the offensive side of the ball.

Richardson, sounds to me, like he’s in the college game all for himself and his career in the NFL and if that is the case, so be it. Every kid pursuing athletics in college has his own motivation and I guess I can’t fault him for that.  Perhaps after spending a couple of years out on his own and reconsidering his options, he may be changing his mind, but he needs to be upfront with all schools involved. 

I just don’t think that’s the type of player Pinkel needs. He’s done a good job of bringing in players who are unselfish and yet have found ways to make it past college ball.