By Gerardo Bolong
CONTRIBUTING WRITER

After redshirting last season, Kennedy Catholic High School graduate Conner Richardson is preparing himself for a greater role in the scheme of the second-ranked in the country Football Championship Subdivision Eastern Washington University Eagles.

Listed as a reserve at quarterback in the preseason, Richardson is third on the depth chart.

Three spring scrimmages featured the former Lancer completing 8-of-15 passes for 100 yards and one interception.

"I learned a lot last year about staying in the pocket and adjusting to make the proper throws," he said after the Eagles had pushed the University of Washington Huskies to the limit before falling to the UW 59-52 on Sept. 6, at Husky Stadium. "I'm always learning and growing."
Part of the growing is observing and staying close to Eastern head coach Beau Baldwin.

"I'm always staying close to coach B," he said. "I look at the plays and try to help as much as I can. When the call comes, I want to be ready.

The 2013 Kennedy graduate earned All Seamount League honors after helping lead the Lancers to the 2012 2A/3A league title with a 6-0 record. Kennedy catholic advanced to the second round of the WIAA State 3A playoffs. As a junior, he earned second team All-Seamount League honors as a wide receiver and honorable mention as a defensive back.

On Saturday, he held for two point after touchdown and has been inspired by a particular teammate.

"It's inspiring to watch Vernon Adams (who finished the game with a career high 475 yards - the second most in school history - on 31-of-46 passing and seven touchdowns).

For now, as his education and preparation go on, Richardson stated his current goals.

"I always want to grow and be ready," he concluded.