PENSACOLA - Trent Richardson tried to keep his decision secret until the last minute, but his brothers tipped his hand by revealing a houndstooth hat.
As hundreds of Escambia High students and teachers filled the media center awaiting Richardson's announcement, the highly touted running back's brothers came in wearing UF, Alabama and LSU baseball caps. On their way past the desk where Richardson would make his decision known, a hat made famous by legendary Crimson Tide coach Paul "Bear" Bryant was, perhaps accidentally, revealed.
Just like that, UF's small hope of landing Richardson died.
For all of Urban Meyer's accomplishments since joining UF in 2005 - two national championships, two SEC titles and the creation of an entertaining and balanced offense - he has never been able to recruit a power running back who can take the bulk of the carries.
Meyer tried to change that this year by hosting Richardson on an official visit that the tailback described to Rivals.com as "a perfect 10." The UF coach followed this up with an in-home visit last week.
But in the end, Richardson stayed with the team he's been committed to since last June.
"I look at it really like a marriage," Richardson said. "I mean, you can see yourself with a girl that's been with you more than one that's just tagging along with you."
It was believed UF would not have a chance of landing a grind-it-out back of Richardson's caliber because the Gators' spread does not favor that style, something the Escambia star denied.
"I feel very comfortable with the I-formation, (but) I like Florida's offense too," Richardson said. "The thing about their offense is they do basically about the same things except put you in space."
The Gators may not have had a single back of Richardson's caliber under Meyer, but they have been able to balance their attack. Last season's team had four players rush for over 600 yards.
UF has been able to bring in speed players who thrive in the open-space style of the spread-option like Jeff Demps and Chris Rainey.
The last UF running back to rush for over 1,000 yards in a season was Ciatrick Fason in 2004.
