Tag: Demani Richardson

Here are the final 2024 NFL Combine grades for every Texas A&M participant

Here are the final 2024 NFL Scouting combine grades for Edgerrin Cooper, Demani Richardson, Ainias Smith, and Layden Robinson.

The 2024 NFL Scouting Combine is over, and the results are in: those who participated in the offensive line drills will likely all make an NFL roster, including former Texas A&M OL Layden Robinson, and former Texas wide receiver Xavier Worthy is really, really fast, running a combine record 4.21 second 40-yard dash.

While every position group showed up, Robinson was the last to participate. Still, former Aggies linebacker Edgerrin Cooper showed out on the first day, running an impressive 4.52 40-yard dash, and a 1.54 second 10-yard split, tied for third best among participating linebackers.

On Friday, veteran safety Demani Richardson had an adequate day, running a 4.6 40 while possessing the tools to one day thrive as a box safety once he finds his footing. Last but not least, wide receiver Ainias Smith would sadly miss the on-field drills due to a newly discovered stress fracture in his left shin, but he could participate in the bench press, notching an impressive 21 reps.

Now focused on the NFL Draft set for April 25, here are the final grades for all four Aggies, according to NFL.com.

Here are Texas A&M safety Demani Richardson’ 2024 NFL Combine measurements/results

Here are former Aggies’ safety Demani Richardson’s 2024 NFL Scouting Combine results

The second day of the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine is nearly complete, as defensive backs took the field to show out for all 32 NFL team representatives, which included Aggies safety Demani Richardson, who departed the program after four productive years.

Leading the Aggies in tackles during the 2022 season, Richardson may not be the rangiest safety available in the draft. Still, it should thrive in the box due to his vision and pursuit speed against the run, accumulating 17 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks during his collegiate career.

However, no matter how his average 40-yard dash time is scrutinized, Richardson has shown ability in deep coverage. However, whatever organization drafts him will plan on using him in special teams while slowly making his way up the depth chart as a strong safety.

We can poke a pry at his numbers, but at the end of the day, it’s how he performs on the field once his name is called in late April. Here are Demani Richardson’s NFL Combine measurements/results.

Five Aggies receive 2024 NFL Scouting Combine invites

Texas A&M will be well represented at the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine with five invitees

The NFL season is over, and the Kansas City Chiefs have been crowned the champions. That means the focus will now shift to the 2024 NFL Draft, which will occur in late spring. The major event everyone is looking forward to will be the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine scheduled for February 26 – March 4 in Indianapolis.

The NFL Combine has invited 321 NFL hopefuls to participate in the six-day event, where they will test and interview with all 32 teams represented. Texas A&M will have five Aggies in attendance to make another impression before the draft to make a pro team.

Last year, De’Von Achane, Antonio Johnson, and Jaylon Jones received an invite to the combine and all were selected in the 2023 NFL Draft.

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 05: Devon Achane of Texas A&M participates in the 40-yard dash during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 05, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
(Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

Making it to the NFL is the dream of every young football player, and the five Aggies listed below will have their chance to make a dream a reality.

NOTE: Draft projections are from nfldraftbuzz.com

Unpacking Future Packers: No. 88, Texas A&M DB Demani Richardson

Up next in the Unpacking Future Packers draft preview series is Texas A&M safety Demani Richardson.

Help needed. The Green Bay Packers are looking for safety help this offseason. If they were to play a game today, the two starting safeties would be Anthony Johnson Jr and Benny Sapp. 

With safety being the biggest need, expect Brian Gutekunst to add a safety or two in the 2024 NFL Draft. A player that Gutekunst could target on Day 3 of the upcoming draft is Demani Richardson. The Texas A&M safety checks in at No. 88 in the Unpacking Future Packers countdown.

Richardson, a Texas native, finished his career at College Station with 55 starts under his belt. He burst onto the scene as a freshman in 2019, recording 71 tackles and one interception. In eight games the following season, Richardson recorded 2.5 tackles for loss and one interception. The following season, the Texas native recorded 65 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, two sacks and one interception. 

In 2022, Richardson recorded a team-leading 73 tackles to go along with 2.5 tackles for loss and one interception. This past season, Richardson recorded 59 tackles, three tackles for loss and one sack. 

“Performing at strong safety for the last five seasons, Richardson’s on-field leadership combined with his impressive speed and instincts, specifically thriving as a run defender for the entirety of his starting career,” Cameron Ohnysty, the editor for Aggies Wire, said. “Working with multiple defensive coordinators, including new Texas A&M head coach Mike Elko, Richardson could always be depended on to simply do his job on every snap.”

Richardson is a good-sized athlete, who can play multiple roles for a defense. During his time at Texas A&M, he logged 1,340 snaps at safety, 605 snaps in the slot and over 1,000 snaps in the box. 

“Playing at both safety and nickelback in many defensive packages, Richardson’s size and ability weave his way through rushing lanes and provide a hybrid linebacker-like ability is where he’ll likely thrive at the next level compared to his coverage skills outside of the intermediate,” Ohnysty said. “However, though he doesn’t possess top-end speed, Richardson should surprise scouts with his ability to cover deep routes.”

Richardson is at his best playing downhill and closer to the line of scrimmage. While not an explosive athlete, he has the fluidity and short-area quickness to hold in coverage in the slot. He shows good route instincts and stays patient in coverage. With his size and strength, he has the makeup to cover tight ends. 

Working downhill and sifting through the trash is where Richardson excels. He showcases good closing burst to the ball carrier and takes proper angles. This past season he had a high batting average as a tackler, getting tagged with just six missed tackles. 

“This is where he thrives,” Ohnysty said. “Richardson has a nose for the ball and understands blocking schemes and running back tendencies while consistently delivering big hits to significantly increase the chance of a fumble.”

Richardson finished his career at Texas A&M with 532 snaps on special teams. It’s an area where he could provide an immediate impact as a rookie. 

Fit with the Packers

With his experience on special teams, his versatility and his football acumen, Richardson is a well-rounded safety who could be an attractive Day 3 target for the safety-needy Packers. 

“As soon as his rookie season, any team willing to give him a chance is getting a dedicated worker who will immediately provide solid play as a special teamer while working his way up the depth chart as a rotational option at strong or free safety,” Ohnysty said. “Most importantly, Richardson is the guy you want in your locker room and will do anything a coaching staff asks of him for the entirety of his NFL career.”

Richardson is one of the most seasoned safeties in the 2024 NFL Draft. On top of all the snaps he logged at College Station, he also has a ton of experience playing on special teams. He’s a great communicator, and while he isn’t a world-class athlete, he’s always where he needs to be and gets the ducks in a row in the secondary. 

Aggie Safety Demani Richardson joins the West roster for the East-West Shrine Bowl

Better late than never safety Demani Richardson to join the West roster of the Shrine Bowl

It was announced that senior safety Demani Richardson would be joining the West squad to participate in the East-West Shrine that will take place on February 1st in Frisco, Texas.

Aggies’ star linebacker Edgerrin Cooper will also participate in the week’s events but has not been doing any drills while nursing an injury. Below is information about this year’s Shrine Bowl.

The game, which will be played at the Dallas Cowboys’ global headquarters— The Ford Center at The Star, benefits Shriners Children’s healthcare system, as 100% of the proceeds go to support the charity. Only the Rose Bowl Game is older than the East-West Shrine Bowl among all post-season bowl games over the past century.

More than 120 of college football’s finest seniors, along with a select group of juniors who were cleared to play in all-star games this year by the NFL, will be coached by a full squad of NFL assistant coaches from the various teams. East-West Shrine Bowl week includes four days of practice, countless interviews with NFL scouts, and many speaking seminars from NFL officials, NFLPA officials and patients from Shriners Children’s

Here are Demani’s career numbers below and we wish him the best as he prepares for his next step.

  • 2021 PFF All-SEC Third Team
  • 2019 SEC All-Freshman Team
  • 307 Tackles / 17 TFLs / 3.5 Sacks
  • 4 Interceptions / 18 PDs

Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes, and opinions. Follow Jarrett Johnson on Twitter: @whosnextsports1

Texas A&M Safety Demani Richardson is headed to the 2024 Hula Bowl

Aggie Safety Demani Richarson has accepted his invite for the 2024 Hula Bowl and will head to Florida to take part in the event

It was announced on December 19th that Aggie Safety Demani Richardson had accepted his invite to the 2024 Hula Bowl taking place in Orlando.

The game will be another opportunity to showcase his skills in front of scouts across many leagues while competing with other athletes across the globe. Below, you can find out about the game and where some of the attendees will be travelling from:

Over the past 70 years of history, the Hula Bowl has had hundreds of stories of athletes that shined in the game and thereby caught the attention of scouts from the NFL, XFL, USFL, and CFL leagues. Outstanding performances at the Hula Bowl will enhance the athlete’s opportunities for taking their football career to the next level and ensuring a promising future!

This year, the game will include NCAA college football players from all divisions, along with international players from Japan. In addition, the game will always include Polynesian players with historic ties to the Islands.

Here are Demani’s career numbers below and we wish him the best as he prepares for his next step.

  • 2021 PFF All-SEC Third Team
  • 2019 SEC All-Freshman Team
  • 307 Tackles / 17 TFLs / 3.5 Sacks
  • 4 Interceptions / 18 PDs

Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes, and opinions. Follow Jarrett Johnson on Twitter: @whosnextsports1.

Texas A&M’s defense is out to prove that last year’s loss to Ole Miss was simply based on inexperience

After last years defensive debacle vs. Ole Miss, Texas A&M’s defense is ready for the challenge in a rematch with the Rebels this weekend.

Texas A&M (5-3, 3-2 SEC) will face, yes, its toughest challenge yet this season, facing the 11th-ranked Ole Miss Rebels on Saturday for yet another true SEC road matchup for an early 11:00 a.m CT. Kickoff.

Going back to last year’s 31-28 prime-time loss to Ole Miss at Kyle Field, lingering memories of Rebel players stepping on the A&M logo in taunting fashion, coupled with head coach Lane Kiffin accusing Aggie safety Bryce Anderson of faking an injury, Texas A&M’s defense, who allowed over 200-plus rushing yards to Ole Miss running back Quinshon Judkins, is out for some much-anticipated revenge.

This time around, junior linebacker Edgerrin Cooper is playing at an All-SEC level. In contrast, sophomore defensive tackle Walter Nolen and junior pass rusher Fadil Diggs all helped lead the Aggies’ dominant pass rush, including their impressive 13th-ranked run defense.

On Monday, star defensive end Shemar Turner sat down with the media to provide insight on how the Aggies, who now have a bevy of experience after last season’s struggles, will defend Judkins this time around, as Kiffin’s offense depends on a balanced attack to gain early momentum.

“He’s a great running back… Not letting him get too hot, not letting him too comfortable running the ball outside the tackles like he did last year.”

While Judkins remains the focal point defensively, Turner knows that Rebels quarterback Jaxson Dart was an absolute nightmare on the ground, scrambling for 95 yards in combination with his three touchdown passes through the air.

“I feel like he is one of those harder ones to bring down, but I don’t think he’s harder to bring down than KJ Jefferson. Getting KJ down is tough. He’s elusive, and he makes guys miss… Getting more than one guy on him is going to be big.”

Texas A&M’s 9th-ranked defense is built in the trenches, leading the county in sacks with 33, just 26 away from breaking their single-season record. Despite the Aggies’ 14th-ranked passing defense, defensive coordinator D.J. Durkin is still experimenting with his cornerback rotation, which may or may not become a liability vs. the Ole Miss passing attack.

However, Jaxson Dart thrives in Kiffin’s up-tempo offense. Still, if the Aggies can pressure the pocket early and often to rattle his confidence, Turner is confident the defense can find their footing for four consistent quarters.

“That is a really good team at Ole Miss. It will be a difficult task, but I don’t think there is an offense that we can’t handle in the country. Slowing down the tempo is going to be a key factor in stopping that offense.”

Texas A&M will now travel to Oxford (MS) to face the Ole Miss Rebels on Saturday, Nov. 4, where the game will again air on ESPN at 11:00 a.m. CT.

Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes, and opinions. Follow Cameron on Twitter: @CameronOhnysty.

Linebacker Edgerrin Cooper and the relentless Aggie defense stuffed the stat sheet in Texas A&M’s 30-17 win over South Carolina

Within Texas A&M’s 30-17 win over South Carolina, several Aggie defenders, including LB Edgerrin Cooper, completely dominated the stat sheet.

If you’ve been paying attention, Texas A&M (5-3, 3-2 SEC) is just inches (yeah, I said it) away from reaching 7-1 on the year, which includes an undefeated record in the SEC if the Aggies offense had been up to snuff in the second half in consecutive losses to Alabama and Tennessee.

On the other hand, Texas A&M’s 9th-ranked defense has been one of the most significant bright spots in college football since falling to Miami in Week 2, consistently tying or leading the country in sacks after every week. At the same time, junior linebacker Edgerrin Cooper has solidified himself as the best linebacker in the country by a fair margin.

“I got comfortable with the strategy of our game and playbook. I am able to see everything and compete.”

On Saturday, the Aggies came off their Week 8 bye week motivated to prove that the 2023 campaign is not a lost cause just yet, facing a South Carolina team dealing with midseason roster attrition and poor play on both sides of the ball, providing A&M’s defense a clear opportunity to tee off on quarterback Spencer Rattler throughout the afternoon.

Despite scoring 17 points, the Aggie D limited the Gamecocks to 209 total yards (176 passing, 33 rushing) while recording four sacks and ten tackles for loss, led by Edgerrin Cooper (7 tackles, one sack, 2 TFLs) and standout safety Bryce Anderson (7 sacks, two sacks, 2 TFLs) as both returned from injuries in the loss to Tennessee.

Even more impressive? Four players recorded six or more tackles, while Cooper, Anderson, safety Demani Richardson, and edge Fadil Diggs all recorded a pass deflection, exhibiting their dominance at the line of scrimmage.

Dealing with early season scrutiny, second-year defensive coordinator D.J. Durkin deserves much credit, especially in player development. While Edgerrin Cooper’s incredible rise as a future NFL early-round pick has stuck out consistently, it’s evident that nearly every contributor on the defensive line and the secondary has taken a step in their collective development and in a must-win to keep their season afloat, every defender who took the field on Saturday proved made an impact.

Texas A&M will now travel to Oxford (MS) to face the Ole Miss Rebels on Saturday, Nov. 5, where the game will again air on ESPN at 11:00 a.m. CT.

Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes, and opinions. Follow Cameron on Twitter: @CameronOhnysty.

Texas A&M’s defense showed promise in the Aggies’ 47-3 win over UL Monroe

A sore spot in the first two games, Texas A&M’s defense made progress in the Aggies’ 47-3 win over UL Monroe a week before SEC play begins.

Texas A&M (2-1) got back on track this weekend after blowing out the visiting UL Monroe Warhawks on Saturday afternoon behind quarterback Conner Weigman’s 337 yards through the air while completing 86% of his passes, and finishing with an SEC-leading 96.9 QBR.

While Weigman and offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino deserve a ton of praise, Texas A&M’s embattled defense had its best outing on the young season, limiting the Warhawks to 222 total yards, including 95 yards passing.

Leading the way, sophomore linebacker/safety Jared Kerr and safety Jacoby Matthews recorded four tackles. At the same time, junior defensive end Shemar Turner nabbed his third sack in three games, poised for a breakout campaign.

Coming off their brutal showing in the Aggies’ 48-33 loss to Miami last weekend, defensive coordinator D.J. Durkin’s hot seat was quite in flames, but if improvements weren’t seen against an inferior opponent just a week before the start of SEC play, we might have been discussing a change in staff sooner than later.

While missed assignments and poor tackling plagued Texas A&M’s chances against the Hurricanes, veteran defensive lineman Fadil Diggs, who recorded two tackles on the afternoon, emphasized the need to get back to basics in the trenches.

“I thought we did a great job doing our assignments this week. Last week, Miami was a bad taste in our mouth.”

Against the Warhawks, Texas A&M’s secondary, which has struggled mightily in deep coverage, gave up the entirety of UL Monroe’s passing production in the first half, including several explosive plays, but locked up after half-time adjustments were made, recording six PBUs and eliminating the Warhawks passing game in the process.

The defensive line had its moments, allowing 127 yards on the ground. However, it kept the Warhawks from gaining any consistency in the run game, tacking on two sacks and three tackles for loss to gain momentum heading to the Auburn matchup next Saturday. Overall, head coach Jimbo Fisher was pleased with the results.

“I thought they did a really nice job. We tackled well and played well up front.”

Lastly, the group that nearly every fan and media member felt would struggle due to lack of depth and speed, linebacker Edgerren Cooper and freshman Taurean York, who netted two tackles on the afternoon, have a nose for the ball and plugged up running lanes for most the game, adding in Jacksonville state transfer Jurriente Davis, who’s tackling production and pass rush potential led all Aggie linebackers in tackles three.

With Auburn visiting next Saturday, Texas A&M’s defense is still underway. Still, the talent is there, and with an explosive offense that looks to keep the Aggies in every game this season, sticking to the defensive basics may be enough in the wide-open SEC West.

Texas A&M will host the Auburn Tigers at Kyle Field on Saturday, Sept. 23 at 11:00 a.m., where it will air on ESPN.

Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes, and opinions. Follow Cameron on Twitter: @CameronOhnysty.

‘This loss will make us stronger, we will bounce back,’ Demani Richardson and Layden Robinson reflect on Week 2 defeat to Miami

Demani Richardson and Layden Robinson were confident that Texas A&M will bounce back stronger following their 48-33 loss to Miami.

Every college football team gets handed a humbling loss, and No. 23 Texas A&M (1-1) endured its own following their 48-33 defeat to Miami (2-0) in Week 2.

In a game where the Aggies relinquished their early momentum, the Hurricanes’ pursuit of revenge proved to be too much for Texas A&M to counter. As quarterback Tyler Van Dyke finished 21/30 for 374 yards and five touchdowns, it underscored the porous play from the Aggies secondary.

On a multitude of occasions, Texas A&M’s backend unit displayed poor performance when tackling in the open field. That was coupled with a curious lack of pressure from the Aggies defensive front, as it felt like Van Dyke had long stretches to make plays comfortably in the pocket.

Despite 336 passing yards and two touchdowns from Conner Weigman, Texas A&M’s offense wasn’t enough to claw back from a double-digit deficit. After the loss, Demani Richardson and Layden Robinson spoke to the media to echo their confidence in this team to bounce back.

Below are Richardson and Robinson’s full postgame press conferences, as well as key highlights from their time speaking to the media.