The University Athletic Association prepared for the program’s most-anticipated Pro Day since Tim Tebow’s 13 years ago by issuing more than 80 media credentials. The NFL Network, SEC Network, NFL Films, ESPN and the New York Times requested passes, and all 32 NFL teams visited town, including head coaches Frank Reich (Carolina), Pete Carroll (Seattle) and Doug Pederson (Jacksonville).
When it was time for Richardson to throw, his biggest fan stood near the end of one of the sidelines. LaShawnda Cleare, Richardson’s mother, watched as her 20-year-son launched 62 passes with Reich and Carroll standing nearby, paying close attention.
“A lot has been going on,” Cleare said. “I’m trying to enjoy it.”
She should.
Video: Florida QB Anthony Richardson hits the roof of the facility during his Pro Day. pic.twitter.com/fGybAY2hdj
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) March 30, 2023
In the last six-plus months, Richardson has gone from a promising young quarterback making his first career start at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium to the potential No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft, which has a total value of $41 million and a signing bonus of $27 million. While Richardson has plenty of competition to become the top overall pick – Alabama’s Bryce Young and Ohio State’s CJ Stroud are among the quarterback group – he arrived at Florida’s Condron Family Indoor Practice Facility with a specific goal.
“I was just trying to showcase my arm talent,” he said afterward. “I almost broke the ceiling.”
The throw that caused the most reaction was a deep pass that bounced off one of the roof’s rafters and dropped to the turf. Richardson broke out laughing at the moment.
“I haven’t done that before,” said Richardson, who did watch Kentucky quarterback Will Levis, another potential first-round pick, do it at Kentucky’s pro day. “I decided to one-up him. Put a hole through the thing.”
Richardson’s stock soared in the draft after an impressive performance last month at the NFL Combine. He went from a developmental pick near the end of the first round to the potential No. 1 overall pick because of his enormous athletic ability and arm strength. The 6-foot-4, 244-pound Richardson ran a 4.43-second 40-yard dash at the combine, unprecedented for a quarterback of his size.
Richardson’s 40 at the combine was the fourth…
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