READY OR NOT
Still learning CFL rules, former NFLer Richardson will get the start against Argos
OTTAWA — Trent Richardson’s introduction to the CFL featured some accounting.
The NCAA star and NFL tailback was surprised to learn that the Canadian game featured 12 players per side, compared to 11 in the United States.
Adjusting to the extra player, the width of the field and the 20-second time clock are just some of the changes Richardson has been dealing with since signing with the Saskatchewan Roughriders on Sept. 26.
“When the media asked me that one day, I really didn’t know the difference and now you see different stuff,’’ Richardson said Wednesday. “I see it now that I’ve been in that role, getting snaps and seeing everything in front of me.’’
Richardson’s CFL crash course featured a great deal of studying and paying attention to what was said in meetings by the coaches and players. He didn’t dress for Friday’s 18-17 win over the Ottawa Redblacks, but is expected to play Saturday against the host Toronto Argonauts.
“My running back coach (Kent Mugeri) does a good job of making sure that he hits me with everything,’’ Richardson said. “The guys around me help me out a lot, even the receiving crew and (quarterback) Kevin Glenn, and they are going over stuff with me all of the time.’’
Richardson finds himself in the CFL after starring with the University of Alabama Crimson Tide. He had 3,130 rushing yards and 35 touchdowns in 38 games and helped Alabama win national championships in 2009 and 2011.
The Cleveland Browns selected Richardson with the third overall pick in the 2012 NFL draft. He set an NFL rookie record with 11 rushing touchdowns in 2012.
Richardson spent time in the NFL with the Browns (2012 and 2013), Indianapolis Colts (2013 and 2014), Oakland Raiders (2015) and Baltimore Ravens (2016). As an NFLer, he rushed 614 times for 2,032 yards and 17 touchdowns.
Saturday’s game will be Richardson’s first regularseason action since 2014.
“It’s going to mean a lot with everything that is going on in my life and with my kids and stuff,’’ Richardson said. “We’ve been through a lot. People said that I couldn’t do it and they were always doubting me. I have little faces back home in my kids who really truly believe in me.’’
Richardson was a college teammate of Riders returner Christion Jones. He doesn’t think Richardson will have too many difficulties adjusting to the CFL.
“The rules may be different, but the approach remains the same,’’ Jones said. “He has to be detailed in the scheme of things and putting himself in position to do great things. That means paying attention in film, giving the best of your abilities, and that takes place in the NFL or the CFL.’’
An aspect of the game that Richardson can’t prepare for will be his first contact in more than a year. The CFL recently banned contact from practices, which meant Richardson will have to wait for Saturday to absorb his first hit.
“That part is unfortunate when you have guys who haven’t played in quite some time,’’ said Riders head coach and general manager Chris Jones.
“They aren’t going to get their first real contact until the real game and that’s part of it. Down in the NFL you don’t have a lot of banging once training camp is over anyway so it’s not something that is uncommon for him. He’s a pro and we look forward to seeing what he brings to our football team.’’
The 27-year-old Richardson plans on trusting his years of football experience when it comes to his first contact.
“The football that I’m used to playing is smashmouth football,’’ the 5-foot9, 225-pounder said. “I’m used to running downhill and being behind my pads. I like to give the initial contact so I will try to initiate the first contact and let it go on from there.’’