Arizona cornerback Shaquille Richardson tips a ball in-bounds against Oregon; linebacker Scooby Wright picked it off. Photo by Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Arizona Wildcats cornerback Shaquille Richardson has been earning positive reviews during this week’s practice for the East-West Shrine Game.
The all-star game, which ranks behind the Senior Bowl in importance, will be held Saturday in St. Petersburg, Fla.
Bucky Brooks at NFL.com provided this assessment after Wednesday’s practice:
Arizona CB Shaquille Richardson has been one of the most impressive corners on the field this week. He has consistently made plays on the ball in 1-on-1 drills, displaying outstanding quickness, footwork and movement skills.
Additionally, Richardson has impressed evaluators with his size/speed combination (6-foot-1, 188 pounds) and his competitiveness in coverage. He has challenged receivers at every turn, earning positive reviews from coaches and scouts in attendance.
I’ve quizzed several scouts on the west coast about Richardson and received “ho-hum” replies on his regular-season performance. However, I believe those scouts will be forced to revisit his game tape when their bosses catch wind of his play this week.
And that’s not all. Here’s a supporting second opinion from Eric Galko of OptimumScouting.com on Wednesday:
The best defensive back of the day hasn’t changed from Tuesday, as Arizona’s Shaquille Richardson impressed once again. He recovered well vertically, staying tight to his receiver and keeping his balance throughout the receiver. His subtle yet not exaggerated hand use at the top of the receiver’s route has done wonders for him this week, particularly against primarily slot receivers in one-on-one situations.
Before this week, Richardson has been considered a potential late pick in the seven-round NFL Draft. Richardson started 37 games at Arizona, making 10 interceptions — a fine career, although he never earned even honorable mention all-conference honors.
NOTE: Wide receiver/tight end/H-back Terrence Miller will play in the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl in Carson, Calif., on Saturday. Miller caught 40 passes for 467 yards and one touchdown as a senior and did a lot of good work helping block for All-American Ka’Deem Carey.