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Re: Trent Richardson on his way to Regina with intent of finalizing deal with Riders
Even after he had second thoughts the first time around, the Saskatchewan Roughriders never stopped pursuing running back Trent Richardson.
Back in late August, Richardson had travel plans arranged by the team to fly to Regina and finalize a contract. He had second thoughts, however, after realizing that all CFL entry-level deals are one year plus a team-held option – essentially two seasons. But the Riders were determined to see what he could do on the big field and further discussions led to Richardson finally getting to Regina and signing on the dotted line.
Richardson’s arrival – and sources say he showed up in excellent shape – might be ideal timing for the Riders.
Cameron Marshall is on the six-game injured list and Saskatchewan’s run game has suffered lately as a result. Around the league, there has been a slight shift to running backs who can be just as dangerous as slotbacks catching the football – Andrew Harris and Travon Van are prime examples. But as the weather turns, colder temperatures come and the elements play more of a role in late-season and playoff games, personnel men believe there is an advantage to having a power back that gets improved traction just by sheer size.
The Alabama star would fit that mould. Richardson was known for being tough to take down in the SEC, gashing defences regularly. Although, his 3.3-yards-per-carry average in the NFL was a main reason why no NFL teams came with a contract offer after he was released by Baltimore in August 2016.
One bigger back rising to stardom in the CFL currently is James Wilder Jr. He checks in at six-foot-three, 232 pounds and ran a 4.65 40-yard time coming out of the NCAA. Compare that with Richardson, who is built much differently, but he’s five-foot-nine, 230 pounds and ran a 4.53 40-yard dash in 2012, the year he was drafted third overall by the Cleveland Browns. Similar size and depending on the shape Richardson is in possibly more or similar speed to Wilder Jr. gives reasons for an up-close look.
Even after he had second thoughts the first time around, the Saskatchewan Roughriders never stopped pursuing running back Trent Richardson.
Back in late August, Richardson had travel plans arranged by the team to fly to Regina and finalize a contract. He had second thoughts, however, after realizing that all CFL entry-level deals are one year plus a team-held option – essentially two seasons. But the Riders were determined to see what he could do on the big field and further discussions led to Richardson finally getting to Regina and signing on the dotted line.
Richardson’s arrival – and sources say he showed up in excellent shape – might be ideal timing for the Riders.
Cameron Marshall is on the six-game injured list and Saskatchewan’s run game has suffered lately as a result. Around the league, there has been a slight shift to running backs who can be just as dangerous as slotbacks catching the football – Andrew Harris and Travon Van are prime examples. But as the weather turns, colder temperatures come and the elements play more of a role in late-season and playoff games, personnel men believe there is an advantage to having a power back that gets improved traction just by sheer size.
The Alabama star would fit that mould. Richardson was known for being tough to take down in the SEC, gashing defences regularly. Although, his 3.3-yards-per-carry average in the NFL was a main reason why no NFL teams came with a contract offer after he was released by Baltimore in August 2016.
One bigger back rising to stardom in the CFL currently is James Wilder Jr. He checks in at six-foot-three, 232 pounds and ran a 4.65 40-yard time coming out of the NCAA. Compare that with Richardson, who is built much differently, but he’s five-foot-nine, 230 pounds and ran a 4.53 40-yard dash in 2012, the year he was drafted third overall by the Cleveland Browns. Similar size and depending on the shape Richardson is in possibly more or similar speed to Wilder Jr. gives reasons for an up-close look.
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