The HBCU Legacy Bowl for Davius Richard was meant to be a tremendous opportunity to showcase his prodigious talents on a national platform. Unfortunately for the North Carolina Central quarterback, the game went from a vehicle to prove why he should be on pro draft boards to his football future flashing before his eyes.
Richard suffered a dislocated ankle while scoring a touchdown in the first quarter.
Carted off the field, the prognosis for recovery from the injury was reportedly four to six months. However, despite the timing and severity of the injury, the two-time MEAC Player of the Year kept an optimistic outlook for his future.
“I remain optimistic and in good spirits on the road to recovery and journey back to the field,” he said. This is just a test in my testimony.”
According to Tom Pelisaro of the NFL Network, Richard had a non-surgical reset of the dislocation.
Former NC Central QB Davius Richard, who suffered a dislocated ankle in the HBCU Legacy Bowl (but still won Offensive MVP), had it reset nonsurgically and is expected to be ready for training camp, per source. A possible sleeper who could get an NFL look.pic.twitter.com/7LSrswMd7b
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) April 13, 2024
Non-surgical interventions involve immobilization of the joints (usually for a period of six weeks) and a close reduction, according to the National Institution of Medicine. A close reduction is a non-surgical setting of the joint or bone through the skin.
Richard is expected to be ready for NFL training camps after the procedure
Pelissero also suggested that Richard is a “sleeper that could get an NFL look.”
Football Central’s FCS scouting report says of the highly decorated signal caller:
“Standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing 220 lbs, Davius Richard embodies the ideal build for a modern quarterback, combining size with athleticism. His strong lower body and good leg drive enable him to excel in the running game, gaining extra yards through contact with a forward-leaning running style. Richard’s effectiveness as a rhythm passer on timing routes demonstrates his capability in the passing game, although improvements in throwing mechanics, particularly off-platform and off-script throws, are needed. While Richard exhibits toughness and the ability to stand in the pocket under pressure, his tendency to lock onto targets and struggle with progressions beyond his second read highlights areas requiring refinement. Additionally, his deep ball accuracy and pocket mobility under pressure are aspects of his game that need development to enhance his overall play.”
In his time at NCCU, Richard threw for 8,991 passing yards, 73 touchdowns and 29 interceptions. On the ground, he racked up 2,026 rushing yards and 44 touchdowns.
Richard was a three-time All-MEAC selection, FCS All-American Selection ( 2023 FCS Football Central, Stats Perform), a two-time Walter Payton Award Finalist, N.C. Central’s all-time leader in total touchdowns (117), the 2022 Celebration Bowl Offensive MVP and the 2023 Black College Football Co-Player of the Year.