The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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2012 FOOTBALL RECRUITING ISSUE Terry Richardson Models His Game On One he grew up emulating can prove to be a huge boost, even for the most confident prep star — and especially when learning from NFL Hall of Fame cornerback Deion Sanders. While participating in the 2012 Under Armour All-Amer- Of The NFL's Greatest For a rising prospect, hands-on coaching from the player ica Game Jan. 5 in St. Petersburg, Fla., U-M signee Terry Richardson got a first-hand talent audit from his childhood hero, who acted as a coach for Richardson's Team Blur. "It was amazing to learn from the NFL's greatest corner," Richardson said. "It was amazing for him to compliment you, but also to show you what you did wrong and how to fix it. "He said I have all of his talents, but half of his size." At only 5-9, 165 pounds, Richardson refuses to let his diminutive stature prevent him from fulfilling his duties between the hashes when called upon, as shown by his 16 varsity interceptions while patrolling the defensive back- field for Cass Tech. "I like to make big plays, get picks and check the other Richardson made a big impact at Detroit Cass Tech by compiling 16 interceptions and locking down opposing wide receivers. team's best receiver," he said. "When the opportunity pres- ents itself, it's a done deal — I want to be the one to make the play." The four-star cornerback's playmaking ability generated enormous interest from top programs across the nation throughout his recruiting process. Contemplating offers from powerhouses such as Alabama, Florida, LSU and USC, Richardson decided to keep his talents in his home state and play in front of the largest football crowd in America, largely because of a common bond forged with childhood comrades and fellow Michigan signees Royce Jenkins-Stone and James Ross. "Terry is a very loyal friend," Cass Tech head coach vado becomes necessary to brave the high-pressure nature of the cornerback spot. "Any time a corner gets on an island, you have to man up and be ready for it," Richardson said. "He's got a lot of confidence, and when you have a lot of confidence you are going to make plays," Wilcher said. "But without some swagger, and spirit, you can lose a little bit of that confidence." Sanders was often chastised for possessing a little too Thomas Wilcher said. "He's very passionate about his friends. They believe in strength in numbers, and they want to bring some numbers to Michigan and make some- thing happen." And making things happen has become a habit for the trio. All three earned state championship rings this past sea- son — Richardson and Jenkins-Stone with Detroit Cass Tech, and Ross with Orchard Lake St. Mary's — and look to reunite in Ann Arbor and dominate foes just as they did as youngsters playing Pee Wee pigskin for the West Side Cubs in Detroit. "Growing up together, we all know each other very well much self-assurance, but Richardson understands and is insistent that any athlete lining up at cornerback must em- brace a similar attitude. "It's not just self-confidence, it is a cockiness," Richard- PHOTO BY LON HORWEDEL son said. "To be successful at the highest levels, you have to know that you can stop receivers like Calvin Johnson and Chad Ochocinco, otherwise they know that they can beat you." Richardson may not have to worry about lining up against Pro Bowl-caliber receivers just yet, but he will see some strong wideouts in the Big Ten and is eager to draw the assignment to shut them down throughout his four years as a U-M defensive back. "I want all of them," Richardson said. "I don't pick and on the field and off the field," Richardson said. "We know each other's talents and we know what we can do. "Throughout my life — and Royce's and James' — we've one school to get all three of us, it's something to look out for." Still, at a position that often times strands a competitor choose — I want them all." Despite his star's immense natural talents, Richardson's always known how to win. I think that is the best thing about us, we know how to be winners. "It's a bond that can't be broken and it helps a lot, and for mano-a-mano against one of the opposing squad's most dynamic playmakers, friendly assistance is not always offered, and a certain measure of self-assuredness and bra- 70 THE WOLVERINE MARCH 2012 high school coach believes it is his fearlessness, and willing- ness to put in the work to not only be competitive with, but control, talented foes in high-pressure situations that is his most analogous trait to a certain eight-time Pro Bowler. "The comparison I see to Deion is that they both work hard and are competitors," Wilcher said. "Through Terry's aggressiveness and built-up self-esteem, he has that atti- tude that makes him so competitive, where he refuses to be defeated. "He wants to be a winner no matter what he does. He will strive to be the absolute best no matter where he is at or where he goes." — Kevin Minor