University Southern California Trojans
Richard Plays Like A 'Hurricane' On The Field
October 11, 1999 | Football
Oct. 11, 1999
LOS ANGELES - USC cornerback Kris Richard can be a disaster to opposing offenses. Arizona State All-Pac-10 running back J.R. Redmond, who saw Richard's speed and athleticism up close while playing against him in high school, concurs.
"He said I was like a natural disaster when I played so he nicknamed me 'Hurricane'," said Richard, a sophomore who has started all five games this season at cornerback.
So far this season, Richard has lived up to his nickname. He's been a whirl-wind of a defender while co-leading the Pac-10 with four interceptions (he's tied for fifth nationally). Just a first-year starter, Richard's fluid motion on the football field makes everything he does appear easy. However, things haven't alway been easy for the graduate of Serra High in Gardena, Calif.
"When I got hurt my freshman year, it was really hard to deal with," said Richard, who underwent surgery on his right hamstring in 1997 to remove scar tissue. "I had to watch my teammates practice and play from the sidelines. That was the worst part of it all. The pain from the injury wasn't nearly as bad as the pain from not playing."
During his time on the sidelines, parental support was crucial. His parents, Kenneth and Patricia Richard are fixtures at USC practices and games.
"I thank God every day that they come and support me and I really appreciate them doing that. It means a lot," said Richard.
Richard is used to his parents being there for him. Ever since he was a two-sport star at Serra, they've kept a watchful eye on his career. When it came time for him to choose his college, the choice wasn't particularly easy: Kenneth Richard is a graduate of USC while Patricia is a graduate of UCLA.
"Growing up, my dad would sit on one side of the room and my mom would sit on the other side of the room while they watched the USC-UCLA game," said Richard. "My mom was always a UCLA fan until I came to USC. Now she has converted."
Instrumental in his decision to become a Trojan was the connection Serra High has with USC. The year before Richard committed to USC, Serra graduates Jason Steen and Darnell Lacy joined the team.
"I knew this would be a good place for me to play since they liked playing here," said Richard. "Growing up, I always liked USC and it just made it much easier knowing that I would have some of my friends there."
Another major factor in his decision to attend USC was the school fight song.
"Ever since I was young that fight song turned me on," said Richard.
But now Richard is older and has a responsibility to uphold the tradition of great USC defensive backs. His number, 42, was worn by such Trojan greats as Ronnie Lott and Brian Kelly. Richard is very aware of what that number means.
"It's big shoes to fill by wearing that number," said Richard. "I try to get as much 'juice' from the jersey as I can. I feel confident in myself, though. I wouldn't be wearing that number if (secondary coach) Dennis Thurman didn?t believe I had the ability to uphold that tradition."
While Ri
chard is wearing the number of past Trojan greats, he looks to Deion Sanders for advice on maintaining confidence on the field.
"I love his style of play. I love his confidence," said Richard. "There are not too many people who can actually beat him.?
Although Richard seeks to maintain confidence in his playing ability, he believes that the injury during his freshman year will maintain his personal humility.
"Humility is a trait that I value," said Richard. "Every time I step on the field, I'm grateful. That humbles me because there was a time when I couldn't step onto the field."
As USC's cover corner, Richard must use his speed and size to keep the opposing team's best receiver under wraps.
"I can run with the speed receivers and I get physical with the big receivers," said Richard.
Richard has been a pleasant suprise on a USC defense that came into this season with many question marks.
"I've worked hard to get where I am," said Richard. "It's nice to know that all the hard work has paid off."
