Blue Devils’ Richardson signs with Clarke University

West Memphis’ leading tackler taking his talents to Iowa college

By BILLY WOODS

WM School District

The West Memphis Blue Devil football program has senior Vince Richardson listed at 5-foot-11. Another two or three inches, according to head coach Robert Hooks, and big colleges galore would be beating the door down for his services.

As it is, Richardson, the Blue Devils’ leading tackler in 2020, got his college scholarship from Clarke University in Dubuque, Iowa, where he will take his game to the next level.

As a defensive end/defensive tackle, the Blue Devil star used his strength and quickness to get around bigger opponents.

“The only thing that hurt him from getting a bigger scholarship was his height,” said Hooks. “If he’s 6-1 or 6-2 I think we’re talking about him signing with a bigger college. He’s one of the hardest workers I’ve ever seen and he’s also one of the strongest.”

Clarke looks like the perfect fit, according to Richardson.

“I love the profile athletics get at the school,” said Richardson. “I had some other offers from small schools, but Clarke had a better athletic program and better facilities.”

Richardson said he would get looks in practice at his two high school positions. He stated that it wouldn’t matter which of the two he played at Clarke.

“The coaches there told me I’d have to compete in order to get on the field next year,” Richardson stated. “It’s a blessing to be able to get a scholarship to play football. It’ll be a lot less stress and weight off our shoulders.”

Richardson said he wants to major in graphic design.

“I’d like to be a graphic designer in the field of science,” he commented.

Hooks said Richardson’s future in college looks bright.

“I think Vince has all the tools to be a very good college football player,” Hooks said. “He’s got the work ethic and the strength from the weight room. He runs well and loves the contact on the field.”

West Memphis defensive end / tackle Vince Richardson signed with Clarke University last week. The Blue Devils senior will continue his football career at the college level this fall.

Photo by Billy Woods