Draft Diamonds Prospect Interview: Riyahd Richardson, CB, Concord University

Draft Diamonds Prospect Interview: Riyahd Richardson, CB, Concord University 

How many teams were recruiting you out of high school?

There were a lot of schools coming out of high school. Had a verbal offer from Texas A&M and official offer from Georgia state.

Where did you choose and why?

I got in trouble 2 days before the state championship. Lost my offers and couldn’t play In my states all star game, Concord University still believed in me and was the first school to offer a full ride after my troubles so I committed there after only one visit.

What were your goals for your senior year?

My senior year the goal was a national championship and to win the conference. As far as my goals I wanted to be more dominate than my first three years, break the schools PBU record, get all conference for the fourth time, be an all American for the second year straight, and most importantly to be a vocal leader.

Have any scouts met with you, and if so what are they saying?

I’ve only met with scouts at the all star games I’ve competed In just filled out information for them, I’ve been hearing that I’ll either be an undrafted free agent or an try out guy. I just need one chance to show I’m that diamond in the rough.

At your position, what separates you from the others?

I’m very aggressive for my size, make plays when it comes my way, pursuit to ball when it goes the other way, I prefer big receivers because I love a challenge, real confident, I compete in practice and games, and I love making plays on the ball and picking it off. Since I started playing Cb at Byrnes high school I’ve maintained a no fly zone, and I’m always the best Cb on the field for either team.

Tell us what you look for when breaking down film?

When looking at my film you can see my aggressiveness on the jam, my fluid hips and how I come out of my peddle, how I defeat blocks, a ball hawk, my love for coming up to support the run with a attitude, just a flat out all around cornerback, and definitely the way I play bigger than my size.

Who was the toughest player you have ever faced?

In high school it was A.J. Green and Cordalle Patterson. In college I’d say this 6’5 reciever from Bowie State, Pat Kelly from Liberty university, Aaron Mellette from Elon, and my teammates Thomas Mayo and Ansel Ponder.

If you could compare your play to one person in the NFL who would it be?

It would have to be Captain Munerlian but more like Tyrann Mathieu because of my ability to make big plays when people least expect it.

What was the biggest obstacle in your life you had to overcome, and how did you overcome it?

My biggest obstacle had to be overcoming my troubles high school,getting scouts to see the way I’ve dominated on the d2 level I could do the same at a big time D1 school, also losing my grandfather, and losing my friend to suicide. To overcome everything I’ve been through so far I could only pray constantly, believe and keep faith in my God, give him all the glory when I reach the top, stay confident patient, and continue to work my butt off day in and day out.

What system fits your style of play the best?

I’d say the Carolina Panthers, Pittsburgh Steelers or the 49ers. Just the way they use their DBS, especially the 49ers.

What is your biggest strength?

My biggest strength would have to be man to man off or press, my ball you man ability from playing basketball most of my life.

What is your biggest weakness?

My weakness would have to be staying to high in my paddle and sometimes I don’t get my hands on receivers off the line.

If I were a GM and gave you a second to sell yourself, what would you say?

I’m confident on my island, I support the run, I ran a 4.46 and jumped 37 in at my pro day, I’m your guy I’m your diamond in a rough type of player, I can lock down one half of the field for you for a very long time, I makes plays, never about me always put team first, keeps a big smile on my face, been through it all just need one chance with one team.

Growing up, who was your role model?

I loved watched Deion Sanders play, my father, my Uncle, and my Cb coach at Concord Tracy Gravely.

Who was your favorite team and player in the NFL and why?

It’s the Eagles and my favorite player is Michael Vick, so I guess I’m an Jets fan now.

If you were to have dinner with three people dead or alive who would it be?

It would have to be my belated grandfather Verdell Richardson, my mother Senica Mickel, and Tiffanie Adair my future wife hopefully. That would be the perfect dinner.

With your first paycheck what would you buy?

I would buy my mom something for sure, also an engagement ring!!