Through the 2021 college football season, Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson was firmly entrenched because the backup to Emory Jones.
It quickly became apparent to the coaching staff that yr that Richardson should no less than be put into certain play packages, as his rare talent was too tempting to maintain off the sector. Richardson ended up making a substantial impact on the offense, including multiple 100-yard rushing games, and a four-touchdown performance against LSU.
It was clear from that time forward Richardson can be “the guy” going into the 2022 season, and he wasted little time benefiting from the starting role. In a Week 1 upset win over Utah, Richardson exploded on the for over 100 yards and three touchdowns on the bottom, while being efficient through the air.
The hype got here crashing back down for Richardson over the following two games, as he couldn’t seem to search out a rhythm within the passing game, and was limited on the bottom, as well.
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WATCH: Florida QB Anthony Richardson shows off the wheels on 45-yard TD run
This has been a trend for Richardson, showing the glimpses of an elite, once-in-a-decade-type quarterback in the same vein to Josh Allen and Cam Newton, with arm talent to rival each, and a size/athleticism combo to match.
You’ll be able to clearly see all of it showcased on tape, with Richardson popping off incredible runs, rumbling down field and shrugging off defensive backs which might be half his size while outrunning the others. You see it again when he barely sets his feet, and throws a dime 50 yards down the sector with what looks as if little effort.
Nevertheless, there are clear red flags, most of which need to do with consistency. Richardson currently has more interceptions than passing touchdowns, which is rarely an excellent sign, and at times has shown erratic accuracy and footwork on what needs to be routine passes. He struggles to calm his feet down, set a solid base, and let the ball rip off the primary read, which results in the spotty accuracy. He has shown poor decision-making at times, trusting in his arm to make a throw relatively than making the fitting decision and adjusting, which has led to multiple turnovers.
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It’s obvious Richardson is built for the NFL, and he’ll likely be drafted in the primary round of the 2023 draft if his growth continues. He’ll profit from a professional scheme that takes advantage of his ridiculous skill set, because it seems Florida will not be keen on doing that and stubbornly sticking to a script that clearly doesn’t suit their superstar and prioritize his development as a pro-ready quarterback.
Richardson will need some coaching up at the following level, but in the fitting situation, there’s no reason to imagine he can’t turn into the NFL’s next superstar quarterback.
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