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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Anthony Rizzuti

2023 NFL draft prospect draws early Cam Newton comparisons

Most, if not all, comparisons ever made to Carolina Panthers great Cam Newton have been, uh, not good. And that’s not necessarily because Newton is better or worse than the players who’ve drawn such connections—it’s just that his combination of physical traits, skill, natural talent and playing style is truly unique.

Well, we may now finally have ourselves a good comparison.

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If you’re not familiar already, allow us to introduce you to Anthony Richardson—a 6-foot-4, 232-pound quarterback for the University of Florida. Like Newton, Richardson possesses an eye-opening mix of size, athleticism and strength—gifts he uses as a big-time thrower and a dominant rusher.

Ahead of the 2022 season opener yesterday, Richardson received praise from his opponent in Utah Utes head coach Kyle Whittingham, and he knew exactly what he was dealing with.

“You have to account for the QB in the run game every single down,” Whittingham said back on Monday. “The guy reportedly has 4.3 speed. At that size, it’s incredible. It’s Cam Newton-ish type of numbers with his physical stature and his ability to run. That’s something that the defensive staff is well aware of and that’s gotta be taken into account in virtually everything you do.”

And, unfortunately for Whittingham and his Utes, he was right . . .

Richardson led the Gators to a 29-26 upset victory on Saturday, completing 17 of his 24 throws for 168 yards while rushing for a team-high 106 yards and three touchdowns on 11 attempts. The 2023 draft prospect also notched up a number of new Newton comparisons.

Interestingly enough, the Panthers will very likely be in the market for a quarterback in 2023—even with Baker Mayfield easily earning the starting job this year.

Hmmm . . .

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