Interview: 2021 Arkansas QB LD Richmond Produces Prolific State Championship Winning Season
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
One very simple decision made surrounded with great consideration, and the rest, as they say, is history. Derek “LD” Richmond Jr. came up through the Greenwood High School ranks as a receiver but finished as a prolific quarterback. The amazing season that surprised all ended with another 6A state championship trophy on the mantle for the Bulldogs but college programs left wondering who is LD Richmond?
Championship seasons often have a Hollywood style story layered in seeing an individual or a group of people defying the odds for an unlikely outcome. For Greenwood, they are always among the elite high school football teams in Arkansas, but were put in a tough situation going into the 2020 schedule needing a quarterback. Cue Richmond’s entrance into the huddle. The 6-0, 170-pound, senior athlete absolutely went off showcasing unknown dual-threat abilities to the outside world. Winning a dart throwing contest, Richmond completed 76 percent of his passes covering 2,801 yards with 31 touchdowns. Avoiding rookie mistakes with the ball, he only tossed two interceptions.
The wheels on Richmond turned out to be a difference maker keeping defenses honest. During the undefeated 14-game season, 604 yards were produced on the ground with 12 trips into the end zone by their senior leader. When the chips were down on the table in crunch time, Richmond took home championship game MVP honors helping knockout Lake Hamilton 49-24 for the trophy. The efforts were rewarded with 6A All-State honors.
Despite all that Richmond has accomplished few college programs are aware of him and/or his talents. An offer from McPherson (MO) is down with several prep schools wanting him to run their offense in 2021.
In an RNG stylized interview, Richmond covers ground on his senior campaign taking us inside his amazing journey during the 2020 season.
Interview
LD, the Bulldogs are seemingly always one of the best high school football teams in the state. That thought was reinforced during the 2020 season with another 6A state championship. What makes you guys so tough to beat every year?
Honestly, the way we attack it. Our coaches prepare us well. They set us up great. Plus, we’ve all played together since we were tiny. That helps us a lot too.
What offensive set were you executing in 2020?
The Spread offense.
How does that scheme fit your skillset?
I like it because we have a great offensive line. We run four wide; when I drop back, if nothing is open, I can step up in the pocket and wait for a receiver to get open. If there was pressure, I could get away from them with my speed and mobility.
Through all the tough games, in which one did you turn in your top performance?
Against Bentonville West. We are 6A, they are 7A. I had 365 yards passing with two touchdowns against them.
You earned the state championship MVP. What did you do on the biggest stage to take home that honor?
We were down early. They came out hot and went up 10-0. After that, I stepped up. We turned on the offense. I had 120 rushing and around 200 passing with a couple of touchdowns.
When the season ended, what did you feel were the strengths to your overall game?
I feel like I read defenses well. I can be better with my accuracy, but that is not terrible. My timing and reading defenses are good. God did bless with me with some legs.
Is there a trait to your game that may get overlooked?
I feel like because I am undersized for a QB, I get told I am not super big, I feel like I am a physical guy.
What have you been working on with your mechanics this offseason?
I have been working on my throwing motion. Sometimes my shoulder gets low. I have been working on my footwork and my accuracy.
How are you expanding your knowledge of the game?
I watch a lot of football in general, college and NFL. And I watch my own stuff.
Do you play any other varsity sports for Greenwood?
I play baseball, soccer, and I played basketball but stopped because I was too busy. I picked up soccer this year.
Last question. What is your cumulative GPA?
A 3.4.
LD, thanks for your time today. Wishing you the best of luck with your soccer and baseball seasons this spring and summer.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credit: Richmond family; LD Richmond