Tre Richardson emerges into next special teams star

By Sam Ojeda
Sports Editor

When you think of Hutchinson Community College football, many names come to mind. Former players like NFL stars Cordalle Patterson and Alvin Kamera, and Alabama wide receiver Malik Benson come to mind.

Blue Dragon football has a constant tradition of professional-level skill players. Freshman Tre Richardson is showing flashes of this level of talent. Even radio coverage compared him to those greats.

Richardson is a do-it-all, all-purpose threat for HutchCC’s football team. The Topeka product first burst onto the scene as a 3-star player for Highland Park High School. The three-sport athlete also ran track and played basketball in high school.

Richardson was recruited heavily out of high school for football and chose HutchCC in January. Richardson could not be happier with his decision.

“People think juco football is bad but going juco is not bad.” Richardson said. “I think it is the best decision I have ever made.”

The freshman had another good game on Saturday against Coffeyville at Gowans Stadium. The Blue Dragons won 37-7 largely in part to two touchdowns from Richardson.

Richardson had two punt returns for touchdowns, which totaled 133 yards. He now has two punt return touchdowns and one kickoff return touchdown.

In a game that was chippy with three ejections and 12 unsportsmanlike conduct penalties, Richardson knows the mental side of the game is important.

“People are going to talk,” Richardson said. “That is what happens when you are the No. 1 team in the nation.”

Blue Dragons coach Drew Dallas knows how important it is to have a spark plug energy guy, and he said he knows Richardson is that guy for the Blue Dragons.

“He is an instant threat to score and that is pretty darn special,” Dallas said.

Richardson may be flashy on the field as a player, he also is a top-notch guy as well.

“He is very humble and he knows what he provides to this team,” Dallas said. “He gives 110% all the time. He is very dynamic and a great teammate.”

Richardson was a full academic qualifier out of high school and knew he worked for it, but he has a dream to be a great player.

“I want to go Division 1 whenever I can,” Richardson said.

After college he wants to go onto the NFL and live up to being one of the next great Blue Dragons in the pros.

Richardsons dream is possible. If radio hosts and coaches are comparing him to the great Blue Dragons, that means, if all else goes right, he could be the next great Blue Dragon. Richardson may be flashy on the field with super speed and awesome athleticism but his constant hard work, humility, and dedication to his craft will be the driving force for him accomplishing his dreams.

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