The Grambling State Tigers football team thrived well last season on the defensive side of the ball.
The G-Men featured many standout players and will have many key returning pieces when they return to action this spring.
One of those returning is junior defensive end Cameron Richardson.
Last year, the Atlanta native had 25 total tackles and 5 sacks. It was the defensive lineman's coming out party for the SWAC conference.
Richardson, 6-foot-2 and 270 pounds, is very nimble and light on his feet. His goal this season is to contribute in any way possible for a SWAC Championship win.
“I want to be able to be one of the leaders on the team that helps us get over the hump and win the SWAC,” Richardson told The Gramblinite. “I want to become an even better teammate to all younger and older players and just help them when in need because we are all one family.”
After the team did not make the championship game last season, Richardson vowed to work as hard as he could in the offseason to make sure that doesn't happen again.
“I was heartbroken, especially when we lost to Southern last season which was what cost us a chance to play for the SWAC championship,” he said. “Knowing that their team was never better than us is what hurt the most of all. We were not ready to play that day. It’s almost a good thing that happened to us. I feel like we never want to feel that pain and devastation again in our lives and are currently working hard every day to make sure that feeling of failure doesn't happen again.”
Cameron has been working harder than ever this offseason to get in the best shape he can possibly be. He is now back in Grambling working out with the team.
“Not being able to be with the team and gain that chemistry that you need during a tough season can be very difficult,” Richardson said. “We all have to learn each other all over again. Getting the new incoming freshman and transfers has been difficult, but with the virtual sessions and team meetings online they are adjusting well.”
The G-Men look to rely on the young stud defensive end for leadership and his ability on the field to help the team.
The Tigers will open up against the Prairie View Panthers on Feb. 27 and will look to kick the season off on the right foot.
Cameron Richardson