BY GENE NARDI
Wellington High School football standout receiver Ahmmon Richards has been named to the U.S. Army All-American Bowl roster.
The U.S. Army All-American Bowl is perhaps the most prestigious senior all-star bowl game in the country. The event showcases 90 of the country’s best high school senior football players and draws national attention each year.
Richards was added to the event’s Class of 2016 roster. The game will feature its annual East vs. West match-up and will be broadcast on NBC at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 9 from San Antonio’s Alamodome in Texas.
The tradition is rich with history, which has featured Heisman Trophy winners and more than 200 NFL players counted among its alumni over the last 15 years. “I’m really thankful to be able to represent my team this way,” said Richards during a jersey presentation ceremony Friday, Nov. 13. “I’m overly excited right now, and it’s overwhelming.”
The presentation took place in the Wellington High School lecture hall and opened up to the sound of the Wolverine marching band, followed by a jersey presentation by the U.S. Army. The hall was occupied by Richards’ teammates. “We’re really, really proud of Ahmmon,” Wellington coach Tom Abel said.
This season, Richards helped his team earn the District 9-8A runner-up spot and a postseason playoff berth. He helped propel his team last year to the district title, a school best record of 11-2 and a regional finals appearance.
Richards, in two years, has collected 2,722 total receiving yards and 39 touchdowns. He was the Sun-Sentinel’s player of the year last year and is one of 13 players selected from Florida to participate in the All-American Bowl. “I’m really thankful to have all of this support from my team and the students,” Richards said.
Richards recently withdrew his verbal commitment to the University of Miami after Hurricanes coach Al Golden’s departure. He continues to evaluate his options from Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee and Auburn.
For more information on the U.S. Army All-American Bowl, visit www.usarmyallamericanbowl.com.
ABOVE: Ahmmon Richards and his team after receiving his jersey for the U.S. Army All American Bowl.
