So, let's move to the Drew Richmond saga and where things stand there. As of Thursday night multiple sources have indicated to Volquest that Richmond has told Tennessee his visit to Knoxville this weekend will be the only one. But, that doesn't mean Alabama isn't continuing to try and get him to Tuscaloosa for some time.
We know that the Tide continued to try and convince him to make the trip to Alabama and people we had talked to in Alabama relayed that they won't stop trying until he's in Knoxville. It's at least something to watch. Both Butch Jones and Nick Saban visited with Richmond on Wednesday and from our conversations with those close to Richmond's recruitment the talks with Jones went very well. It's worth noting that before a late summer visit to Ole Miss, Richmond was a Tennessee lean and had indicated to some that the Vols were going to be his original choice. He has a number of friends that are on campus at Tennessee and it's well known he's a big fan of Butch Jones.
But, the relationship in the late fall wasn't what it once was between Richmond and the Vols as while Richmond continued to say good things about Tennessee he wasn't giving the Vols much hope there was substance to his talk. Regardless, Richmond reconnected with the Vols once the dead period ended earlier this month and the conversations have been very constructive. So, what's next? It will be important to see who is on campus with Richmond; does his family make it in?
Tennessee looks like they might be trending in the right direction here from talking to those close to the situation. But, the Vols are still considered the underdog as Richmond continues to communicate with Ole Miss coaches, players and recruits. If Richmond does make it to campus it has to be considered a small victory as we know the Rebel staff was trying to talk him out of leaving Memphis for any visit on Thursday. If Richmond indeed does make it on to campus as all signs are pointing to, this one should be one to watch leading up to signing day.
