Steven Richardson

[EE_Gopher]

I agree that stars matter. On the other hand, lack of stars can mean all sorts of things. When it comes to Richardson, it is simply his height.

At the College level, great athletes can still take over the game. It doesn't mean that the NFL will draft them high. In football, there is probably not a thing that will drop you down more than height. Neither Drew Brees or Russell Wilson went high in the draft because of their height. Chris Borland will go in the later rounds because of his height.

With that said, I think we will hear a lot of excitement from the coaches after signing day about Steven. In high school, he lined up next to a 4 star recruit and it was Steven who won the MVP. I see Rivals gave him a 3rd star. Fine. Did the lack of a 3rd star mean anything?

It would be great to red-shirt him, but I have this suspicion that he might sneak into the rotation.

 

[John Galt]

He might be the most dominant high school player we have recruited in the last 15 years. His defense gave up absolutely nothing. If he was 6'2", he'd have offers from every school in the country.

I'm very excited about Richardson, and agree that he might see some time next year.

 

[Bayfieldgopher]

Who cares as long the "short guy" can raise havoc and lots of it!.

 

[t-docious]

isnt RoJo not very tall anfd yet contributes unsungly up the middle for us?

this kid will be a stud no doubt.

 

[diehard]

Richardson is the most interesting recruit for me. Rivals reports him as 285 pounds. 3-technique size and 4.61 40. Mike speed. He could be a real versatile player on the field. An impact player.

 

[Governor Sibley]

You can play tackle in the B10 at 5'11.

But I'm guessing if he's listed at 5'11, he's not quite that tall.

And that raises question.

 

[STPGopher]

I agree that stars matter. On the other hand, lack of stars can mean all sorts of things. When it comes to Richardson, it is simply his height.

At the College level, great athletes can still take over the game. It doesn't mean that the NFL will draft them high. In football, there is probably not a thing that will drop you down more than height. Neither Drew Brees or Russell Wilson went high in the draft because of their height. Chris Borland will go in the later rounds because of his height.

With that said, I think we will hear a lot of excitement from the coaches after signing day about Steven. In high school, he lined up next to a 4 star recruit and it was Steven who won the MVP. I see Rivals gave him a 3rd star. Fine. Did the lack of a 3rd star mean anything?

It would be great to red-shirt him, but I have this suspicion that he might sneak into the rotation.

I know Husker70 has my back here. Two words and one full name. Dyron Russ. He was 6'0' at best and in 99' he was a big key to that defenses success.

 

[Russ Archambault]

Depending on his wingspan, the height concern could be overrated. You don't block many passes with your head. I'm really excited about him.

 

[diehard]

You can play tackle in the B10 at 5'11.

But I'm guessing if he's listed at 5'11, he's not quite that tall.

And that raises question.

Depends on if they are combine stats or stats submitted by his HS coach. Combine stats are accurate. I have the same question about the 4.61 40 I was bragging on him for having.

In either case, and especially considering the HS program he is coming out of, I am really excited about him being a Gopher.

 

[gopher7]

You can play tackle in the B10 at 5'11.

But I'm guessing if he's listed at 5'11, he's not quite that tall.

And that raises question.

This reminds me of Jonathan Harden of Cretin a few years ago. He was considered a skilled, but short DT. He was listed on Rivals as 6'0, but then on the WMU roster he was listed at 5'9. Now he is at UMD.

I'm not saying Richardson won't amount to anything, just that he's not a sure fire star either.

 

[Costa Rican Gopher]

He might be the most dominant high school player we have recruited in the last 15 years. His defense gave up absolutely nothing. If he was 6'2", he'd have offers from every school in the country.

I'm very excited about Richardson, and agree that he might see some time next year.

17 sacks this year, wow.

 

[oleboy41]

This reminds me of Jonathan Harden of Cretin a few years ago. He was considered a skilled, but short DT. He was listed on Rivals as 6'0, but then on the WMU roster he was listed at 5'9. Now he is at UMD.

I'm not saying Richardson won't amount to anything, just that he's not a sure fire star either.

Apparently the coaches absolutely love Richardson. Again it good to mention that he played for maybe the best program in Illinois against some of the best competition in the Midwest outside of ohio (maybe) and was absolutely a dominant player, even more so than his more highly regarded teammate. Now that's not a guarantee but he's a productive guy. Also they've seen him up close in personal and believe that he's big enough to play. We've seen with Roland Johnson that the staff specifically targets this type of DT along with the long, tall types like Ekpe and Stelter (who I think may end up a DT) so they definitely have a role for him. Also with him coming from Carmel and his strength numbers, he's coming in more physically and mentally prepared for the college level than most true frosh