There is no doubt Kooper Richardson will always remember his first start with the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
The right tackle was on the field for the Riders on Saturday in their 54-20 loss to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Richardson was one of the Riders who were feeling the effects of the illness that ended up affecting 28 players and members of the coaching staff.
Survival was definitely on the mind for Richardson during his first start.
“You’re trying to see how you can get better, for me personally it was like how I was going to start the game, I know the mind is powerful thing, but it was how was I going to get this game going.”
Along with the illness, the 24 year old had the tough task of going up against the Bomber’s pass rushing duo of Willie Jefferson and Jackson Jeffcoat.
“Talk about a crazy way to get your first start, great d-ends and you do have to worry about the sickness, your mind is going in a lot of different places, not only trying to block these great d-ends, but how are you going to make it through the game.”
Just prior to the game, the native of Folsom, California received an IV, which he said was a lifesaver to get through the Labour Day rematch.
“It kind of gave me a little bit of a sliver of feeling better, and once I got that sliver it was like okay, game time.”
Riders head coach Craig Dickenson felt the rookie did a good job in his first start, noting that he believed Richardson didn’t allow a sack or a pressure in Saturday’s game.
Assessing his own performance and considering the circumstances, Richardson felt he played well.
“I’m excited to build on that every game, obviously no game is going to be perfect I know that. For what I was able put out there, I thought is was a great stepping stone to build on to the next level.”
Football has been a big part of Richardson’s life growing up. His father, Kris, is the current assistant head coach and offensive line coach for Sacramento State University
“He was my high school coach, he was the high school coach there for 13 years, I had the chance to play under him there and I had the opportunity to college as well, as a kid it’s everything you dream of, I love playing for my dad, he was my role model growing up, ”
It could be a second straight week for Richardson starting at right tackle for the Riders. Left tackle Terran Vaughn will be out this week with his girlfriend set to deliver the couple’s first child this week. Logan Ferland also missed practice on Tuesday as he continues to deal with a back injury.
Richardson is hopeful that he will get his name called to be the starter once again this week when the Riders host the Edmonton Elks on Friday night and is also optimistic that he can hang on to the job for an extended period of time.
“Obviously that’s always the hope, that the hope you locked down the starting position and make it yours.”
The third and final matchup between the Riders and the Elks can be heard on 620 CKRM with Countdown to Kickoff beginning at 4:30 and the opening kickoff at 7:30.
