LCHS quarterback Riley Richardson was all smiles outside his home on “cap and grown day” as he chatted with the Meridian Source about his upcoming season with the U of A Golden Bears. Taylor Weaver Meridian Source
Lloydminster Comprehensive High School (LCHS) Barons quarterback Riley Richardson won’t have much off-time this summer as he prepares to play linebacker for the University of Alberta Golden Bears on an athletic scholarship in the fall.
The 18-year-old recent Lloyd Comp graduate, who currently stands 5’11” and weighs 200 lbs., started playing football roughly 11 years ago and explained once he got a grasp of the game, he wanted to see how far he could take it.
“Going into high school, I wanted to leave with a scholarship to play somewhere, so I’m very excited about that,” he said.
Richardson will be studying for a degree in business at the U of A with a minor in political science. He said he hopes to return to Lloyd one day to work a trade and start his own business in that trade.
“I tell everyone my backup plan first, but truthfully, I want to go to the CFL; that’s my dream,” he said.
“I have to ride out that dream as long as I can, but it’s also important I have a backup plan, do schooling, and get my academics right first.”
When it comes to academics and football IQ, LCHS teacher and football coach Kieran Link, is optimistic.
“He’s got a great work ethic and is very intelligent, so university shouldn’t be an issue, he should do well there,” said Link.
“We played him at quarterback because he was probably our best athlete, and at the next level, he’s playing linebacker. He packs a pretty big punch for his size.”
For Richardson, trying to turn his dreams into a reality is something he takes seriously.
“This is the real deal… high school football was fun, but this is business; this is the time to really lock down and get the body and the mind right,” he said.
“I’m excited to see what these next four or five years can bring, and I guess really showcase what I can do and how far I can go.”
For Richardson, keeping the body and mind in check is something he learned from his dad, Ray, at a young age.
“My dad was a wicked rugby player and played nationally, and he really got me into football,” he said.
“He always told me ‘the best ability is to be available.’ He taught me how to take care of myself, which allowed me to play longer.”
As far as university football as a whole goes, Richardson explained he’s most looking forward to the experience and his new teammates.
“The head coach was the guy that really took interest in me, which is why I decided to go to the U of A,” he said.
Coach Link is also looking forward to seeing how far Richardson can take his football career, but noted ‘time will tell.’
“He’ll be playing against 23-year-old men as an 18-year-old, so there’s a big physical jump from high school to the U Sports level,” explained Link.
“He’s consistent, fast, physical and hardworking … the big but with U Sports is they recruit from all over the nation now and bring in the best players … but as I said, he packs a pretty big punch”
