Defensive Back of the Year Richardson Heading to NFL
January 4, 2013 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Philadelphia Soul News Release
PHILADELPHIA (January 4, 2013) - The American Conference Champion Philadelphia Soul announce they have placed 2012 RevHoney Defensive Back of the Year, Kent Richardson (6'0, 200, West Virginia) on their Other League Exempt List due to his signing an NFL contract with the Cleveland Browns. The former Mountaineer's AFL rights remain with the Soul while he is with the Browns.
"We are very excited for Kent and his well-deserved opportunity with the Browns," said Soul co-majority owner and current ESPN broadcaster, Ron Jaworski. "Our organization supports every individual in reaching their full potential. Our football side of the organization - myself, Tom (Goodhines) and Clint (Dolezel) - work diligently to get our players looks from the NFL teams. We are always very pleased with success stories like Kent."
Richardson had a breakout season in 2012 by setting the Soul single-season record for interceptions with 14 (Eddie Moten had 13 in 2005). In just his second AFL season, Kent tallied 80.5 total tackles, 2.0 tackles for loss, 14 interceptions returned for 178 yards and two touchdowns, 15 pass breakups, four forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.
The 2012 First Team All-Arena performer was tied for No. 1 in the AFL in interceptions (14), No. 4 in interception return yards (178), No. 5 in passes defended (29) and tied for No. 6 in interception return touchdowns (2). The second-year starter earned Riddell Defensive Player of the Game four times, AFL Playmaker of the Game once and the League's Defensive Player of the Week once in 2012.
In his rookie season, Richardson led the Soul in tackles (64.0) and pass breakups (11), while recording two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and an interception. During his collegiate career, he was named WVU team captain and received Athletic Director's Academic Honor Roll (2008). He was a member of the Mountaineer team that won the 2008 Fiesta Bowl vs. Oklahoma and played in the 2008 Car Care Bowl, 2007 Gator Bowl, and 2006 Sugar Bowl.
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