Georgia Southern University Athletics

John Mackey Award Watch List
Athlon Sports Sun Belt 2018 All Conference - First Team Offense 

2018-19: Played in 10 games, starting seven … Was on the field for 429 total plays (368 offensive, 41 special teams) … Caught 10 passes on the season for 81 yards and two touchdowns … Had a tackle on special teams  … Caught a 5-yard pass in the opener against South Carolina State … Had another 5-yard catch against Texas State … Had a big 31-yard reception at New Mexico State … Had a 9-yard reception against ULM … Recorded four receptions for 14 yards and two touchdowns against Troy … Caught a pass and had a momentum-swinging tackle on special teams at Coastal Carolina … Caught a 15-yard pass on the game-winning drive against Eastern Michigan in the Camellia Bowl.


2017-18: Played in 11 games, starting six … Was on the field for 430 yards (401 offensive, 29 special teams) … Led the team in touchdown receptions with three … Caught nine passes for 185 yards … Had a season-high 68 reception yards against Louisiana and against South Alabama … Recorded his longest reception (53 yards) of the season against Louisiana, going for a touchdown against the Ragin’ Cajuns … Caught an 8-yard touchdown at Coastal Carolina in the season finale … Made the Honor Roll in the fall.


2016-17: Had to sit out the season per NCAA transfer rules … Used the year as a redshirt season while working on the scout team … Member of the Honor Roll for fall 2016 and spring 2017 … Moved to tight end during the spring … Named to the Sun Belt Conference’s Academic Honor Roll for maintaining a 3.0-3.49 GPA for the year.


2015-16: Played in nine games at Alabama State … Rushed for 550 yards and eight touchdowns … Threw for 739 yards and six touchdowns … Had two games where he rushed for 100 or more yards (TSU, 135; and Miles College, 123) … Honored with the SWAC Offensive Player of the Week, ASU Woody McCorvey Success Award, ASU Elite 11 and Coca-Cola Academic Award 4.0 GPA.


2014-15: Played Los Angeles Valley College in the fall as a true freshman … Transferred to at Alabama State in the spring.


2013-14: Enrolled in prep school.


HIGH SCHOOL: Played at Douglas County High for Coach Jason Respert … A first-team all-region and all-county selection at quarterback … Played in Central vs. North Georgia All-Star Game in 2012 … The All-County Offensive Player of the Year … Also played basketball … Awarded the U.S. Marine Corps Distinguished Athlete Award … Nominated for the Howard Thompson Trophy … Academic Gifted Programs: International Baccalaureate Program (3 years) and AP Honors Program.


PERSONAL: Born Ellis Jerrod Richardson on February 12 in Nashville, TN … Son of Cynthia and Chuck Richardson … Father played linebacker at Clemson on the 1981 national championship team … Has two siblings, Chris and Miranda … Brother played defensive end for Clemson’s football team.


MAJOR: Interdisciplinary Studies (graduated)