Richardson Learning To Lead; Does Just That In Aggieland

UAA Photo

By: KYLE CURTIS

GatorBaitMedia.com

In one of the best games of his career, Anthony Richardson threw for 201 yards and two touchdowns and also rushed 78 yards for another two more scores Saturday. And he didn't have a turnover. His play greatly influenced Florida's victory on Saturday in College Station. More importantly, he became a better leader with a new perspective.

“I told Anthony there late in the game ‘I think Anthony’s going to play this game for a long time,’” said Billy Napier. “I think he will look back, and this will be one of those days that he will say was was kind of a pivotal day. Playing with confidence. I thought he started fast. Really thorough in his prep during the week.”

Richardson lit up college football with an electrifying 60-yard scoring jaunt in the first quarter, which increased the buzz around him as an NFL prospect. There were numerous pro scouts in attendance for Saturday’s game. including the Texans, Buccaneers, Seahawks, Lions, Dolphins, 49ers, Colts, Vikings, Broncos, Titans, Chargers, Ravens and Patriots.

What they saw was a player only eight games into in a new system in just his ninth start.

Thanks in part to AR, the Gator's offense was able to keep pace with Texas A&M’s offense in the first half, trailing 24-20. The second half was a different story.

“I think it just had to do with the halftime speech from some of the coaches and players. We know we started off flat-footed just taking ownership of that,” said Florida linebacker Ventrell Miller. “We just got dem boys motivated for the second half and everybody came out and did their job, and we showed them how the Florida Gators defense can play.”

The Gator defense pitches its first shutout of the second half this season and helps Florida ultimately close out the game. While Richardson dominated through the air and on the ground, he had help from running backs Trevor Etienne and Montrell Johnson Jr. Johnson Jr. finished with 100 yards and a touchdown while Etienne finished with 80 on the day, consistently getting chunk yardage.

Nonetheless, Richardson looked bigger than everybody. Especially because of his willingness to lead others. “All week I’ve just been working on my leadership, trying to hold guys together and just keep the team pushing,” Richardson said. “Allowing us to come out there and play fast, play strong. But he (Coach Napier)told me this was going to be a turning point of my career in my life. I kind of see that, because I think I’m getting back with my leadership. So, that’s kind of something I want to keep improving on, and that’s pretty much what he touched upon.”

Since the beginning of the season, Richardson has taken strides as a quarterback in improving his ability to read defenses.

Texas A&M was down a number of players due to a flu outbreak throughout the university during the week. Nonetheless, with the support of their quarterback, the Gators showed out and were able to come away with a win in one of the most hostile environments in the nation.

Napier simplified the matter following the game with the steps Richardson has taken as a leader within the program.

“He’s a 20-year-old first-year starter in a new system. Again, I think Anthony’s problems aren’t physical,” Napier said. “I think it’s about development, it’s about getting comfortable with a role, being a leader, being vocal, improving as a communicator, playing as a competitor and playing for your teammates.”