University of Regina Rams player set for US All-Star Game

Posted: January 15, 2015 2:15 p.m.

University of Regina Rams Receiver Addison Richards is about to play in what may be the biggest game of his life.

Richards is only one of two Canadian university football players invited to play in the 90th annual East-West Shrine Game, Jan. 17 in St. Petersburg, Fla. It’s an all-star game featuring some of the best college football players in the United States. Each year, two players from Canada are invited to participate and Richards is one of them.

 “I’m just taking it in right now. I couldn’t be happier as a football guy,” says Richards speaking to us from Florida where he is practicing with the West team. “This is a great opportunity to be only one of two guys chosen to come to the one of the more prestigious college all-star games.”

Richards has proven himself to be of all-star calibre. He set a single-season U of R Rams record with 55 catches in 2014 and was named a conference all-star two years in a row. He credits his progress to the U of R coaches.

“Some great people there and great to be part of an environment that produces great football and great people,” says Richards who is enrolled in Biochemistry at the U of R.

But this week Richards is focused on practicing in what he describes as an “extremely competitive” atmosphere. The practices and the game are being evaluated by scouts from across the National Football League.

“Every single play guys are playing to the whistle and then some. Everybody is giving maximum effort. We have six receivers and all are very talented guys. They (coaches) will do their best to get us all playing time,” says Richards whose younger brother Ellis has signed a letter of intent to join the Rams.

By being in the line-up Richards joins an impressive list of players who have competed in the East-West Shrine game including Tom Brady, quarterback of the New England Patriots.

Richards is also following in the footsteps of former Rams who have competed in that all-star game: Brendon LaBatte, Jason Clermont, Jordan Sisco and Akiem Hicks, who is now a member of the NFL’s New Orleans Saints. Hicks is one of four former Rams currently in the NFL. The others are Jon Ryan of the Seattle Seahawks, Stefan Charles of the Buffalo Bills, and Jorgen Hus who recently signed a contract with the Kansas City Chiefs.  

However, perhaps Richards’ biggest thrill is that the game Jan. 17 will be broadcast on the NFL TV Network.

“That’s a channel me and my two younger brothers put more than a few hours into watching,” he laughs. “Now me being on the channel? That will be pretty cool.”
 
For more information about the University of Regina Rams and the U of R Cougars sports teams please visit: http://reginacougars.com/index.aspx?path=football