Koy Richardson: Quickie Q&A

Q: What have practices been like in recent days as the team regroups from recent adversities?
KR: It's different because of COVID. We're putting more emphasis on spreading apart, wearing our mask when our helmets are off, and trying not to be next to each other on the sideline.

With regards to Sema'J's accident, it's something that has been bringing our team together. Our common goal is to pray for him every day. Everybody wants him back. He was such a great teammate to all of us: defense, offense, special teams and coaches - everybody cares for him. We're all on the same page for wanting to dedicate our season to him.

Q: How'd it feel earlier this year to be voted a team captain?
KR: It felt really great to know that your teammates are counting on you. They're looking up to you. I look at their decision as them choosing me to be one of their role models. They're looking to me to lead the way, to make decisions, to hold teammates accountable and push us even harder.

Q: Your defense had a solid showing vs. UTEP. Have you seen it improving over the last few days?
KR: Most definitely. We just know our defense better -- the ins and outs about it. We absolutely trust each other. I can trust my linebackers. I can trust my safeties. I can trust my d-line. And they can trust the cornerbacks as well. We are tremendously better at trusting one another this season. Another thing we've been doing is placing a lot of emphasis on stopping the run and making teams one dimensional. Once they get the ball in the air that's when we get to go have fun, and when the d-line gets to go and rush the quarterback. We're out here trying to be physical every day. 

Q: What do you remember most from last year's win vs. SFA?
KR: One play that really sticks out for me was early in the second quarter, when they dumped the ball off to the running back. I'm deep in coverage on third and 14 -- and at this time I believe we were down 7-0 -- it was close. I came up once they dumped the ball off to the running back (Thom Hutchings). He makes somebody miss and spins off, and then I hit him and he fumbles. The ball just sits right there in my lap when I fell to the ground. 

[Editor's Note -- ACU went on to tie the score at 7-7 following Richardson's fumble recovery and win the game in double overtime, 31-24]

Q: What are your post-graduation and football plans?
KR: If I can get a tryout for NFL team that would be wonderful, and I would definitely take that experience to soak it all in. 

As far as a career and everything after football, I want to just start coaching. I want to be able to pour my knowledge into the younger generation and continue to be a leader for people that play football. I love football. I want to be a coach and be around the game for the rest of my life.