Feb. 17, 2003
Columbia, Mo. - Less than two weeks after announcing a banner recruiting class, University of Missouri Head Football Coach Gary Pinkel unveiled another outstanding addition to his squad today. Pinkel announced that standout tailback David Richard has signed a financial aid agreement with the University, and will transfer to Mizzou from Michigan State.
Richard, a St. Louis native, led the Spartans in rushing as a true freshman in 2002, as he racked up 654 yards and five touchdowns in 12 games. The 6-foot-1, 230-pound back rushed for a season-best 136 yards on 20 carries in his first collegiate start at Indiana. He had a season-long carry of 48 yards in that game, and the next week at home against Purdue, ran for 59 yards and two scores. Earlier in the season, Richard rushed for 93 yards and a touchdown against Eastern Michigan, and had 70 yards rushing on 15 carries against Notre Dame.
Richard was the Spartans' fifth-leading receiver in 2002, as he caught 14 passes out of the backfield for 88 yards, including a four-catch, 41-yard outing against Minnesota.
A highly sought after prep talent at Hazelwood East, Richard was named to USA Today's All-USA Team as a senior, and was named a SuperPrep, PrepStar and Student Sports Magazine All-American after rushing for 1,009 yards and 12 touchdowns as a senior while helping Hazelwood East go 13-1 and reach the state championship game. Richard was also a standout linebacker for Hazelwood East, as he recorded 87 tackles, three sacks and two interceptions on defense. He was ranked among the nation's top-10 running backs and top-five linebackers as a senior by various recruiting services.
Richard is finishing the current semester at Michigan State, and plans to enroll at MU in the summer. Per NCAA transfer rules, he will have to sit out the 2003 season, and then have three years of eligibility remaining for the Tigers.
"We're very pleased to have someone of David's caliber join our program," said Pinkel. "He is a fine football player and a solid young man who is looking forward to playing in front of his family and friends. He will be an outstanding addition to our program," he said.