Rookie Richardson Focused to Learn & Ready to Improve
July 7, 2011 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Philadelphia Soul News Release
PHILADELPHIA (July 7, 2011) - "Every day do something better than you did yesterday."
This simple one-line motto is what rookie defensive back Kent Richardson has lived by, and has proven to live up to in the Soul secondary this year.
Prior to the season, Kent first earned recognition for his playing ability by becoming the only rookie defensive back to be named to the final Soul roster. With his teammates in the secondary combining for more than 16 years of Arena Football experience, Kent had to earn a spot on the playing field as a backup.
The 24-year-old defender saw it as an opportunity to grow into the position while learning the skills required to excel on the Arena field.
"The quickness of Arena is what I had to get adjusted to," said Richardson. "Coming from outdoors, you have a lot of space and room to work with, but now everything moves at a higher speed, so you have to settle down and refocus."
As the season wore on, Kent's focus bought him extended playing time as injuries began to affect the veteran Soul secondary. In Week 9, Kent was called upon to start his first Arena Football game against Jacksonville and future AFL Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Garcia.
Since then, Kent has taken the team lead with 52 solo tackles, 58 total tackles, and eight pass breaks. He has also forced two fumbles, recovered a fumble, and grabbed his first Arena Football interception on May 27, in a win over New Orleans.
"It was a plus to get the chance to start, but I know that I'm talented enough, so that's not where I want to stop," said Richardson. "I want to be at the top of the League rankings and most importantly get my team to the top."
While striving to reach this goal, Kent has relied on his willingness to learn. From the first day he stepped onto a football field at age nine, to being named a team captain during his time at West Virginia University, Kent aimed to learn from the best to become the best.
"I try to mimic my game around Charles Woodson, my main focus is to be like him," said Richardson.
Kent was able to learn directly from Woodson in 2010 when he spent time with the future Super Bowl XLV champion Green Bay Packers.
"The Packers refocused me on film study, paying attention to your technique, and being mentally sound," said Richardson. "You have to pay attention to detail and apply it on the field in order to make yourself a great player."
As the youngest of six children, Kent strives to not only become a greater player, but also a greater person. An idol that mattered most to Kent was his father, who recently passed away.
"Nothing is perfect, there's always going to be a curveball that comes your way, it just matters how you respond," said Richardson. "Like Coach says, 'Life is 10-percent of what happens and 90-percent how you react to it."
Kent continues to react positively while remaining loyal to joys stemming from his childhood. A background in the arts, playing the trumpet and piano, while also drawing, may have had a hand in his coordination, while his love for video games keeps Kent competitive.
With the end of his rookie season drawing near, Kent's willingness to learn on and off the field will allow him to remain on his quest of a successful football career.
"I want to be the best player, ever," said Richardson. "Whether it is Arena or in the NFL, I want to be the best DB so that when the next generation comes around they say, 'Wow, that Kent Richardson was awesome!'"
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Arena Football League Stories from July 7, 2011
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- Rookie Richardson Focused to Learn & Ready to Improve - Philadelphia Soul
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