FAMU football has named Daniel Richardson as its starting quarterback for the upcoming season opener against the Norfolk State Trojans in the MEAC/SWAC Challenge. The decision was made public on Monday via the team's social media channels, ending weeks of speculation about who would lead the Rattlers' offense.
Richardson, a transfer from Florida Atlantic University, secured the starting role after a competitive preseason battle with Junior Muratovic. The announcement was made by FAMU head football coach James Colzie III during his Coaches Show on Monday, where he praised Richardson's ability to take care of the football and effectively distribute the ball to his receivers.
"When I talked about the quarterback play during training camp, I wanted a guy to make sure he would take care of the football. And [Richardson’s] done a really, really good job with that and making sure he got the ball out of his hands to our receivers," Coach Colzie said.
Despite the close competition, Coach Colzie emphasized that both Richardson and Muratovic performed exceptionally well throughout training camp. He also confirmed plans to ensure Muratovic sees playing time on Saturday, highlighting the importance of both quarterbacks to the team's strategy.
"We’re going to make a plan to play Junior. Junior’s done a good job and deserves to play," Colzie added. "We can’t roll out two. I wish we could. But Daniel’s going to roll out there as the starter on Saturday. We will need both because you never know what can happen — injuries or someone not playing well."
The MEAC/SWAC Challenge, featuring FAMU and Norfolk State, is set for 7:30 p.m. on Saturday at Atlanta's Center Parc Stadium. Fans unable to attend can watch the game, which marks the annual showdown between the two NCAA Division I HBCU conferences.
Richardson, a graduate student from Miami, stands at 5-foot-10 and brings a wealth of experience to the FAMU Rattlers. He previously played for Central Michigan and Florida Atlantic, joining FAMU to utilize his final year of eligibility. Despite his relatively recent arrival, Richardson has already made a significant impact on the team.
Richardson's stats
His collegiate career includes appearances in 43 games, with 32 starts, where he completed 61 percent of his passes for 7,392 yards, 56 touchdowns, and 23 interceptions. In 2021, Richardson led Central Michigan to a Sun Bowl victory over Washington State, showcasing his ability to perform on the Football Bowl Subdivision level.
Coach Colzie described Richardson as a "gamer," highlighting his intelligence, understanding of the offense, and ability to position his teammates for success. "The only thing he does lack is the height and all of that stuff. But he’s extremely intelligent — knows the offense and puts the guys in the right spot," Colzie said.
As FAMU prepares for its season opener, the team and its fans are eager to see what Richardson and the rest of the squad can achieve under the bright lights of the MEAC/SWAC Challenge. With a talented quarterback at the helm and a supportive coach, the Rattlers are poised for an exciting season ahead.
Don't love his tape. Love the potential. Let's see what the staff can do.
ReplyDelete