Scrap Richardson Embraces Challenge in Transition to Wide Receiver at Notre Dame

Scrap Richardson took a leap of faith when he signed with Notre Dame. 

The 6-foot, 169-pounder played just about every position in high school, but wide receiver, the position Richardson will play in South Bend. 

“I wanted to use my skills to my advantage,” said Richardson. “I took the opportunity here. I know what the program does to develop people. I took that as a go-to to push myself to play something different.” 

Notre Dame is three practices into spring ball and Richardson will be the first to tell you they have been learning experiences. 

“I'm kind of getting used to it,” said Richardson. “It's been a big adaption trying to adapt to the new plays, playing something I've never played before. It's something I really have to adapt to. I have to get used to it, get better, feel better and have more confidence with it.” 

Winter workouts were another eye-opening experience. Notre Dame’s early enrollees started conditioning workouts without the team in January as the returning players needed a few weeks of recovery following the run to the National Title game. 

The tough workouts are a test mentally and physically, but Richardson sees the bigger picture. Loren Landow’s program not only helps improve conditioning and strength but also the technique and movements needed to play each position. 

“I practiced a little bit before I got here, but it was a whole change,” explained Richardson. “I really had to adapt to the college life. High school ball to college ball is way different. When I got here, I was out of breath and a lot of stuff was going on. It's working on your technique, but at the same time, they're working technique and how your breathing and how you compose yourself. 

Richardson knows he’s behind the 8-ball compared to his peers, but he’s not letting that hinder his outlook on his first spring practices. The Georgia native is focused on baby steps and forming his game this spring. 

“It's basically the details when it comes to route running or knowing what you're doing when it comes to coverages,” Richardson said of what he’s learning this spring. “It's small details like learning the signals and play calls. They go into the big details of lining up, where to be and how to run it. When I got here, that was the hardest thing to do. I've been observing things.” 

One of the positions Richardson did play in high school was quarterback. It’s early, but Richardson does believe his time at quarterback has helped him transition to his new position. 

“Somewhat, yes,” stated Richardson. “You have to read the defense and stuff. You have to read the details about certain players and where they line up. Playing quarterback does tend to help when you're playing wide receiver.” 

Besides improving his skill set as a receiver, Richardson is also starting to challenge himself to be more vocal, which isn’t easy for any early enrollee.  

“I really just want to be able to have a better understanding of signals, route running, but also team communication,” said Richardson. “I feel I lack that a little bit when it comes to seeing things and talking to my teammates. Sometimes, I talk, and sometimes I don't. I feel that team bonding theme means a lot when it comes to playing as a team.” 

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