Tavin Richardson commits to Kentucky Wildcats
By Paul Jordan
It’s been a rough week for the Kentucky Wildcats Football team, but Mark Stoops finally got some good news when South Carolina WR Tavin Richardson committed to the Wildcats over Central Florida. Richardson is listed by Rivals as a *** TE, but is 6’3 and 214 and is expected to play WR for Kentucky. Richardson is a three star recruit by all the major services and is the second WR in this class for Kentucky, joining Jabari Greenwood.
Getting the commitment from Tavin Richardson is a nice rebound for the past week and it is looking more and more likely that Marcus Lewis will chose Kentucky over Miami on Tuesday. Here is a look at Tavin Richardson in action.
Here is how ESPN evaluates Tavin Richardson:
OVERALL TRAITS
| Size-Strength-Speed | A big, good looking prospect on the hoof. Possesses height, length and bulk. Is athletic and rangy with good overall flexibility and body control given his size. Measurables make dictate whether or not he ends up as a tight end or a jumbo/flex receiver working from the slot. Is more athletic and quick than he is top end fast. Speed is marginal for the wide receiver position, but works well on the inside. |
Separation Skills
Is sneaky quick off the line and difficult to handle one on one vs. press due to his size. Works best from the slot where he can gain an athletic advantage over linebackers and safeties which he’s better suited to match up against. Quickly gets into routes and knows how to use his frame and wide wingspan to nudge his way through coverage in traffic. Has a great feel for locating voids in zone coverage. Better vs. zone than he is man to man as he does not have ideal explosive traits. More of an imposing guy that can muscle his way through coverage if matched up one on one, but may not run by anybody or out quick them.
Ball Skills
Possesses really good, strong hands. Secures the football with purpose. Can contort his body and adjust to poorly thrown balls. Adjust nicely while he’s elevated in the air to make plays on errant throws above his head. Catches the ball with his hands extended away from his frame, but will cradle and use his frame to secure the ball in traffic if necessary.
Big Play Ability
Is utilized at this level likely the way he needs to be at the next level. Works mostly from the slot where he can stress the seam, find open areas and make tough catches over the middle the field. His size advantage could provide value on the outside is a red zone target. He is agile enough to transition quickly after the catch, make a move and extend plays with his legs. He is tough to tackle in the open field due to his measurables.
Bottom Line
Richardson may be more of a possession type player for the next level, but he is talented and rangy. Could be used in a utility role on the inside and outside which gives him value. It will be interesting to see if he outgrows the wide receiver position over time. If so, his athleticism and size will serve him well in more of an H-back role. Should see plenty of attention from programs in the big five conferences as well as top tier mid-majors.
Underclassman Eval
STRENGTHS: A nice possession receiver with ideal height and weight. Has good balance and lateral quickness. Works the sideline well and settles nicely into zone soft spots. A strong outside the frame catcher. Has great size and can play inside and out. Very good player against zone coverage and is intelligent in his recognition of open spots. … AREAS OF IMPROVEMENT: Must improve his playing strength and overall speed. Lacks a good burst when in space. Must improve his release off the line. Needs to expand his route running ability. … BOTTOM LINE: Richardson has a nice combination of size and athleticism. A versatile athlete that can move the chains. An interesting prospect at the next level that with improved speed and quickness could be a high-level guy.