23 Players in 23 Days: #5 Demani Richardson

Position: Safety
Classification: Senior
Hometown: Waxahachie, TX
Height: 6-1
Weight: 215 lbs.

Key notes from Liucci’s thoughts on Richardson

• What have been Demani Richardson's big plays? Obviously, the pick in the end zone against Alabama. What a play that was. We talk about the Devon Achane return and Zach Calzada's throw to Ainias Smith. Those stand out. Demani's play was massive. He damn near pick-six’d it. His momentum carried him out.
   
• The play against Arkansas was a complete and totally game-changing play. Tyreek Chappell ripped the ball away, but Richardson said to give him the ball. He took off. Then LSU this year, that was a great play by Edgerrin Cooper on Jayden Daniels. Richardson was right there for the scoop and score. He has had some massive plays. He should have won the LSU game in Baton Rouge.
   
• The fact that Richardson came back means he will start for a fifth year in the SEC. Do you know how much experience this guy has got playing in this league? He has been banged up some, but he has not missed a lot of games. He has played a ton of football games. You want as many grown men versus fresh out of high school on the field on Saturday as possible.
   
• We talk to most about McKinnley Jackson and Ainias Smith. We don't talk about guys like Demani and Layden Robinson coming back enough. He is coming back for a rare fifth year as a starter. I don't know if I have ever known an A&M player to start five years. Somebody correct me there. I don't remember a player at Texas A&M starting for five seasons. That's what you have with Demani.
   
• He could very well be at an NFL Training Camp right now. That's on your defense. He is a great teammate and a great culture guy. He is ultra-important back there. Richardson coming back will give him a chance to solidify a draft status that was uncertain coming off the injuries. He will help himself, but also help this football team.