Although he failed to make the All-Sun Belt team during his three years as a starter for Troy, NFL scouts like what they see in Richardson as a potential weak-side linebacker and special teams contributor. Averaged 53 tackles per year, five-plus for loss, from 2005-07, 75 percent of which were solo hits.

Positives: Very good athlete who will play on the weak side in the pros, or possibly a WILL/SAM combo in stack formations … Very smooth in his backpedal, getting into coverage drops and able to change directions quickly … Runs with tight ends and running backs in the flat or downfield … Doesn't give up on run or pass plays, getting to the pile or knocking a ball from a receiver's hands … Willing to hustle from sideline to sideline … Tough-minded player, missing only two games with a broken collarbone in 2006.

Negatives: A bit undersized and not particularly strong … Played on the strong side his sophomore and junior years at Troy, but does not possess the strength or bulk to hold up or get off blockers at the nine technique … Is not always secure in his tackling, as he fails to run through the ballcarrier at times.

Played defensive back at Pensacola HS for head coach Mike Bennett … Earned Florida Sportswriters Association All-State honorable mention in 2002 after tallying 72 tackles, four sacks, six forced fumbles, six interceptions and two interception returns for touchdowns … Named to the first-team All-Area squad at free safety by the Pensacola News-Journal in 2002 … Also earned All-Northwest Florida honors from the Pensacola News-Journal and was honored by WEAR-TV in Pensacola as a member of its 2002 All-Prep Football squad … Rushed for more than 800 yards and four touchdowns as a running back in 2001 … Teams finished 6-4 and 8-3, respectively, in final two seasons … Joined former PHS standout Jermaine Richardson at Troy … Was an honor student, graduating with a 3.6 grade point average … Also ran track at PHS posting personal bests in the 100m (10.8 sec), 400m (50 sec) and triple jump (44).

Full name is Marcus Antwhan Richardson … Born on Sept. 30, 1984, in Pensacola, Fla … Is the son of Michael Richardson of Pensacola … Has four brothers, Labarrion Harris (17) and Michael Richardson, Jr. (24), Trevor Barksdale (25) and Travis Barksdale (25), and two sisters, Brittni McReary (14) and Jaida McReary (8) … Related to Michael Wallace, who played college football at the University of Michigan … Is a sports and fitness management major.