Chris Richards Visits Cal; Remains Solid for U-M

Michigan grey-shirt commitment Chris Richards from Monroe High School in North Hills, Calif., took an official visit this weekend to the University of California, the school where his dad played. GoBlueWolverine Magazine spoke Monday with Richards, who said he is still solid to Michigan. Will he sign a LOI this February, or wait?

Defensive back Chris Richards was comfortable in his decision not only to attend the University of Michigan and play football, but to wait a semester to enroll, a process called grey-shirting. Even though he will graduate in June, he would be the first commitment in the recruiting class of 2006.

Then came the CaliFlorida Bowl game on Jan. 2. Richards performance caught the attention of the nation, and particularly Cal, where his father played football with Michigan defensive backs coach Ron English, who also happens to be Richards' godfather and recruiter. After going back and forth regarding whether he would visit Berkeley, he made the trip this weekend. "My mom always wanted me to go to Cal," Richards said. "My dad played there too, so I just went to take a look. It's a beautiful campus but I wasn't really comfortable there. I'm Michigan all the way."

Since the 5-foot-11, 165-pound Richards won't be enrolling until Jan. 2006, he could postpone his signing until next year, when he would enroll. However, Ricahrds said he plans on signing next Wednesday.

Ricahards had toyed with the idea of running track this spring, but decided to focus on his football training instead. "I'll be working with a track coach to work on my speed," he said. "I'll probably stay here (in Calif) and may attend some classes at a JC, then go to Ann Arbor in January."