GAINESVILLE, Fla. — To become a better quarterback Florida redshirt sophomore Anthony Richardson plans to become a better teammate and leader.
Richardson enters the offseason after a strong spring game performance positioned him as the Gators’ clear-cut starter.
The redshirt sophomore signal-caller was accurate with his throws and quick with his decisions, two facets of Richardson’s game he pushes to improve.
“Decision-making, that can make everything else easier,” he said following Thursday night’s game.
Smart choices are also critical off the field, where Richardson has stumbled.
Richardson, who turns 20 in May, was stopped for driving 105 mph shortly after 4 a.m. last week, Matt Baker of the Tampa Bay Times reported Friday — citing a citation from the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office.
The report states Richardson was driving a 2021 Dodge. Last year, he signed a name, image and likeness deal with Gainesville Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram to drive a Durango until the deal expires at the end of the 2023 season.
UF declined to comment on Richardson’s excessive speeding but is aware of the incident. Richardson will be arraigned May 25 because he was traveling more than 30 mph over the 60 mph speed limit.
Richardson, who starred at Gainesville Eastside, inked NIL deals totaling well into the six figures because of his popularity, potential and position he plays. The 6-foot-4, 235-pound quarterback is Florida’s most explosive playmaker and critical to the success of coach Billy Napier’s first team.
Richardson acknowledged the many strides he hopes to make before the Gators open preseason practices in early August.
“Leadership, that’s going to be my main focus this year,” Richardson said. “Just try to be a better guy to the team, just be more vocal, hang out with them just to gain their respect and also give them respect. This offseason also is going to be dialed into the playbook and also learn the defenses.”
Richardson’s maturity level and judgment were at times questionable last season.
A hamstring strain at the end of an 80-yard touchdown run Sept. 11 at USF sidelined Richardson for two games and limited him for a month. But prior to a Sept. 18 visit from Alabama he performed his customary backflip to end warmups.
After he sustained a concussion during an Oct. 30 loss against Georgia, Richardson injured his knee while dancing in the team hotel Nov. 5 at South Carolina. He did not play the next night during a 40-17 loss to the Gamecocks.
Richardson’s next significant playing time was Nov. 27 against Florida State, six days after the school fired coach Dan Mullen. Richardson came off the bench to help lead the Gators to a 24-21 win.
At this best, Richardson is a threat as a runner and passer defenses struggle to contain. On Thursday night, he thrived in Napier’s up-tempo scheme as the Blue team scored on its first three possessions.
Richardson was 8-of-9 passing for 117 yards on the first two drives and ended 18 of 25 for 207 yards and two scores.
“The ball went where it was supposed to go,” Napier said.
Richardson also ran for a 12-yard touchdown, but showcased his explosive running skills. In 2021, he came off the bench to score on runs of 73 and 80 yards during wins against FAU and USF to open the season.
The right hamstring injury suffered during the run at USF raised questions and concerns about Richardson’s durability. He underwent offseason right knee surgery and is fully recovered.
Growing pains, though, are sure to continue during Richardson’s first season as a starter.
Napier said Richardson is on the right track after spring practices.
“His approach has been first class,” Napier said Thursday night. “When I think about a quarterback we think about a person who represents everything of what the organization is about. Certainly at the highest level of football the quarterback is the face of the organization.
“They set the greatest example with their work ethic, their attention to detail, their self-discipline, their approach. He’s a product of his work.”
