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By Will Marshall and Hank Rippetoe
Nick Richardson OT/OG
Westerville Central High School
Westerville, OH
Richardson is a highly thought of offensive lineman out of the Columbus, OH suburbs. According to online rumors, Ohio State made contact with Richardson late last year to gage his interest with the Buckeyes after they had missed out on their top offensive tackle prospects. Vince Marrow initially convinced him to commit on July 30th. Kentucky beat out Michigan St., Mississippi, Vanderbilt, and West Virginia among others. Richardson stands 6' 4" and weighs 285 lbs.
Richardson is a good blocker who specialized in the pancake block in high school. His highlight tape also shows an ability to get beyond the line of scrimmage and block linebackers and secondary on screen passes which will be important in coach Neal Brown's offense. He will add quality depth to the offensive line - most likely at the tackle position. The tackle position will be headed by senior Darrian Miller and junior Jordan Swindle, along with redshirt freshman Kyle Meadows and junior Shaquille Love, so Richardson probably does not see much playing time this year unless there is a rash of injuries. He may also benefit from a year redshirting and this may also give the coaches an entire season to try him out at the guard position while playing on the scout team.