Brampton’s Tyrell Richards curious to see where he’s picked in CFL draft

By

Published May 3, 2022 at 9:57 am

Syracuse linebacker Tyrell Richards (42) celebrates after blocking a field goal against Georgia Tech during an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 26, 2020, at the Carrier Dome in Syracuse, N.Y. On Tuesday night, the former Syracuse linebacker is expected to hear his name called early in the '22 CFL draft. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP_Dennis Nett/The Post-Standard via AP Dennis Nett

Brampton’s Tyrell Richards is precariously close to realizing his childhood dream.

Richards fondly remembers a pro football career being on his radar as early as Grade 3.

On Tuesday night (May 3), the former Syracuse linebacker is expected to hear his name called early in the ’22 CFL draft.

“It’s definitely starting to hit me a bit more now that we’re getting closer to that time,” Richards said Monday. “I’m starting to get a little excited but at the same time, whatever happens, happens.”

Richards finished No. 3 on the CFL scouting bureau’s final list of the top-20 prospects for the ’22 draft behind Alabama receiver John Metchie III and Penn State linebacker Jesse Luketa. Both Metchie (second round, Houston Texans) and Luketa (seventh round, Arizona Cardinals) were selected in last weekend’s NFL draft.

Edmonton currently owns the No. 1 pick. And if the Elks keep the selection, they’re expected to use it on the six-foot-three 232-pound Richards.

“I’m just letting whatever happens, happen,” Richards said. “If I do go first it will be a blessing … I just want to be able to go out there and play football again.”

Richards had a career-high 24 tackles (3.5 for a loss) and two sacks in eight games (three starts) for Syracuse University in 2020. He entered the transfer portal afterwards and entertained several offers but couldn’t move to another school because he’d not accumulated enough transferable credits.

The Brampton linebacker considered attending a junior college before deciding to spend ’21 training and coaching at his former high school, Clarkson Secondary School in Mississauga.

Richards had 54 tackles (9.5 for a loss) and six sacks in 31 career games at Syracuse.

He attended the CFL combine in March and performed well, posting a 37-inch vertical jump, 19 reps in the 225-pound bench press and running the 40-yard dash in 4.60 seconds.

Richards also impressed with his versatility, testing with defensive lineman and working out with defensive backs while meeting and speaking with officials from all nine Canadian teams.

“I think I went in and did what I set out to do,” Richards said.

There’s certainly an element of intrigue heading into the draft. Chris Jones, Edmonton’s head coach and GM, said last week he’d entertain offers for the top pick.

“There’s going to be some very good players that we could potentially choose from,” he said. “To give that up, it’s going to have to be something pretty good.

“Tyrell is a great player. He should be an immediate four-teamer for you so with those things being mentioned again, he’s certainly a solid option.”

The Ottawa Redblacks currently have the No. 2 selection in the draft, and the Montreal Alouettes are scheduled to select fourth overall.

The remainder of the first round, in order, is: Calgary Stampeders, Toronto Argonauts, Saskatchewan Roughriders, Edmonton and the Grey Cup-champion Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 2, 2022.

insauga's Editorial Standards and Policies advertising