Cowboys’ Richards has renewed confidence
Despite a poor sophomore season, cornerback Ramon Richards is expected to start after a pair of graduations.
STILLWATER — Ramon Richards says his cell phone vibrates once every hour between 9 a.m. and 11 p.m.
The Oklahoma State player with dreadlocks hanging beside blue eyes is well known for an outgoing personality, but those notifications aren’t from friends or family. They’re automatic alarm settings he selected to ring throughout the course of a day.
Each comes with a personalized message.
I’m the best defensive back in the country.
“That’s how I come out here,” Richards said, “and attack practice.”
By all accounts, he’s backed up that confident self-talk.
Richards, a junior this fall, entered offseason workouts a presumptive starting cornerback after the graduation of Kevin Peterson and Michael Hunter. He’s done nothing but back up that notion over the past few practices — including a Friday scrimmage where he broke up several deep fade routes and tackled a runner behind the line of scrimmage on third down.
The coaching staff rewarded Richards’ leadership by allowing him to speak to the team Wednesday in a group setting. He discussed the importance of positive mindset and work ethic. Defensive coordinator Glenn Spencer called Richards’ spring performance “tremendous.”
“I try to control him with my eyes,” quarterback Mason Rudolph said. “Sometimes he gets the best of me.”
However, it wasn’t so long ago that Richards lacked that bravado. He started nine games as a true freshman and was demoted to a reserve role last season. His total tackles dropped from 42 to 15.
“I didn’t have any confidence at all,” Richards said.
While sophomore linebacker Justin Phillips embraced a redshirt year with a drop in the depth chart, Richards says he was “dead set on playing.” There were some bright spots. An interception against UTSA. Another returned for a touchdown at Texas Tech.
But the season hardly reflected his expectations.
“I’ve never rode the bench like I did my sophomore year,” Richards said. “Something had to change.”
The moment of truth arrived last winter. Following some critical self-analysis, Richards says he reconnected with his faith and rededicated himself to the game. He began to read more and kicked some unhealthy habits.
One afternoon, he dropped by Spencer’s office with a message.
“He told me we were going to see a different Ramon Richards,” Spencer said, “and we have.”
Senior safety Jordan Sterns first noticed in the weight room and on the practice field, where Richards often worked out individually outside organized team activities.
“You could see the hunger in his eyes,” Sterns said.
It has since translated to spring ball as the Cowboys are just over a week away from their April 16 finale at Boone Pickens Stadium. Richards has not forgotten the personal heartache of last season. Those phone alarms keep him focused.
“All day, I tell myself constantly, ‘I’m great. I’m gonna be great today. I’m the best cornerback in the country,’” Richards said. “That’s my vibe that I bring to the table.”
The final piece of his transformation is a jersey number. After two years with No. 18, Richards will now wear No. 7. It’s the same digit he wore as a first-time peewee quarterback in San Antonio.
“I had to get back to my roots,” Richards said.