Mark Richt has picked up a commitment from a local athlete.

Miami Northwestern cornerback Nigel Bethel gave a verbal pledge to the Hurricanes after in-home visit with safeties coach Ephraim Banda on Monday.

Bethel, who played both ways this past season for the Bulls, clocked a blazing 4.38 in the 40-yard dash this past summer at a camp. He's a prospect that the coaches think can do multiple things at the next level.

"I love Miami," Bethel told InsideTheU. "I want to stay close to home."

Bethel was at one time committed to Florida. He picked up a bid from the Hurricanes after impressing Banda and defensive coordinator Manny Diaz at a 7-on-7 tournament and quickly rose up UM's recruiting board following a career-ending injury to Malek Young.

"At first the coaches were telling me that they had a lot of DBs committed, but then they got a chance to see my film and they just said that they want me bad. "

Bethel (5-11, 160) ran a 10.8 in the 100-meter dash this past track season and was part of a Miami Northwestern team that captured a 3A state title in the 4x400. He participated in the U-19 International Bowl this past weekend for Team USA.