2017 Miami Hurricanes Player Breakdown: Ahmmon Richards
Canes Warning is committed to breaking down the Miami Hurricanes roster for the upcoming 2017 season. Today we will look at sophomore star wide receiver Ahmmon Richards.
The Miami Hurricanes offense in 2016 no freshman had a bigger impact than Ahmmon Richards. Richards broke Michael Irvin’s 31-year-old freshman receiving yards record when he eclipsed Irvin’s 840 yards. Richards ended 2016 with 934 yards.
Testing in at 4.31, Richards is a blazer and presumably the fastest player on the Hurricane’s roster. Note that Jeff Thomas has stepped foot on campus and would likely challenge for the title of “Miami’s fastest.”
The sensational sophomore will be looked upon as the unequivocal go-to receiver this upcoming season. Richards has over the top capability and the unique ability to stretch the defensive secondary. But it is Richards’ trait to take the underneath route for big gains that separates him.
Exhibit A: Miami’s offense was in a zombie like lull vs. West Virginia during the Russell Athletic Bowl when number 82 provided life. Richards took a simple stop and left the Mountaineer defense on skates en route for the score.
That kind of play making ability shows you why Richards was able to best the “Play-maker” Michael Irvin’s record. The Wellington, Florida High School star was courted heavily by Nick Saban at Alabama.
That single head to head battle vs the SEC powerhouse paid immediate dividends for the Hurricanes who secured Richards. Some rumors are that Saban ultimately contemplated Richards in the secondary. Either way, there is no doubt that the right move for Richards was catching passes and not defending them.
Despite Richards record-breaking season a year ago, there is one stat could definitely be improved upon. Richards scored only three touchdowns in 2016. The good news is current Minnesota Viking Stacey Coley created a nine touchdown void which will allow for a relocation of assets.
The sky is the limit for the sleek slender sophomore. Richards has solidified his footing to become the next Miami Hurricanes great at the wide receiver position. The notion of a sophomore slump seems very far fetched based on Richards skill set. Richards is that good.
The bigger question is who will alleviate the pressure if defenses make the concerted effort to rotate the coverage in Richards’ direction? Richt has made a calculated effort to bring in speed at the receiver position and obviously is trying to create additional mismatch opportunities.
Incoming freshman Jeffery Thomas and Michael Harley are just two examples of the speed influx. Braxton Berrios, Lawrence Cager, Dayall Harris, Dionte Mullins and DeeJay Dallas are some other likely candidates for Richards’ supporting cast.
The receiver depth has vastly improved vs a year ago when scholarship receivers could essentially be counted on one hand. Options are more plentiful. Miami will ultimately need a number two receiver and a slot nightmare to emerge to alleviate pressure off Richards.
Next: Artur Sitkowski in likely qb battle
2017 Miami Hurricane Player Impact Rating: Ahmmon Richards=100% Defenses need to account for number 82 at all times. If teams decide to double Richards then fellow receivers on the opposite side of the field will enjoy one on ones. That is the Richards effect. Even without the ball that is what a talent like Richards can do.