As one of the backups behind All Big-12 defensive back Kevin Peterson and veteran Ashton Lampkin last season, Richards saw his playing time diminish drastically from his true freshman season. Part of that, he admits, is complacency he battled in his second year in Stillwater.
“Last year was a learning experience,” Richards told ESPN’s Brandon Chatmon. “I got comfortable, got complacent with being a backup.”
However, heading into his junior year, Richards has shown a more urgent approach in his preparation, and it doesn’t seem to be going without notice. Defensive coordinator Glenn Spencer has seen a shift in his mindset in spring camp that is paying dividends.